Raleigh eighth grader gets national attention

Rodney Purvis, a 6-foot-3 eighth grade basketball guard from Raleigh, is getting national attention after playing well in the Pangos All-America Camp in Long Beach, Calif., this summer.

Purvis played at Raleigh’s Upper Room Christian, which was kindergarten through eighth grade last year. Avie Lester, the school athletics director, said Upper Room plans to add a ninth grade class this fall. He expects Purvis to be enrolled there.

“I’m not surprised he was noticed,” said Lester, who played at N.C. State. “He is an impressive player.”

Recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons said Purvis impressed scouts with his overall athletic ability and his tenacious attitude.

“He can jump out of the gym and he didn’t back down from the older players,” Gibbons said. “He is a tremendous athlete who is very advanced for his age."