High School Look Back: KC Purvis (Christian Academy-Louisville)
Photo credit to USA Today High School Sports
His high school career may have come to an end earlier than he wanted it to, but Christian Academy-Louisville’s KC Purvis can reminisce on an exceptional run throughout his four years of prep basketball. Although he was tasked with being the leader of his Centurions team, Purvis always gave his all and found a way to be one of his high school’s all-time best.
“High school basketball has brought me some of the best memories I have made throughout high school,” Purvis said. “Just getting to know my teammates over the years and all the pranks we pulled on each other at tournaments – I’ll never forget that stuff. My coaches really helped shape my game and helped me expand what I could do. Going into high school, I strictly played in the post but now, with their help, I’ve expanded my range greatly.
“As a person, it formed me into a leader. I had to step up and become vocal on our team, which isn’t something I’m use to doing, but I had to learn very quickly this year. My sophomore season, our first year under coach (Chad) Carr, we ended 9-22 (overall). Last year we finished the year at 14-14 and this year we finished 24-11. My senior class knew we had some special players and wanted to have the best season ever at CAL – and we did just that.”
Purvis says he felt he and his team were really successful in 2016-17. On the campaign, Purvis dropped 15.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 61.8 percent from the field. Purvis also grabbed 9.0 rebounds per contest for the Centurions, who went 24-11 overall.
“This year, CAL ended up having the best season we have ever had,” Purvis stated. “We finished the season 24-11 (overall) and lost our final game in the Regional championship to Ballard. This was the first time we’ve ever been to the Regional championship and the first time we’ve ever won a game in Regionals. It’s also only the second time that we’ve ever made it to the Regional Tournament.
“Personally, I performed pretty well this year. Parker Jones and I were both fortunate enough to make it to the 1,000-point club. I averaged 15.3 points per game along with 9.0 rebounds per game. I was pretty happy with my season and became much more of a scorer as the season progressed. I pushed myself to do whatever was needed and I think I did just that.”
Purvis, being a stellar basketball player, will continue his career, as he has signed to play at Centre.
“I’m signed to play basketball at Centre College next year,” the athlete noted. “I’m really looking forward to getting there and playing not only for the great basketball program they have, but also because of the great academic program there. The coaches and I have a great relationship and I’ve already met a lot of the players, so I’m just excited to be there next year.”
As Purvis left a mark on the Christian Academy-Louisville boys’ basketball program, he has a message for the athletes still playing at the prep level:
“For those still playing, I would just say make the most of it,” Purvis added. “Don’t waste any opportunity because you’re always gonna look back and see an area where you could’ve given a little more effort or could’ve done one extra thing to help your team. Push yourself and those around you to be better all the time. There’s gonna be a last game, the last time you take off your jersey, the last time you take the court with your brothers – so make the most of that while you still can – and have fun with it.
“Push yourself to be the best you can be because nothing is more fun than winning. But always be able to just hangout with your teammates and joke with your coaches. Take it seriously, but make sure you have a good time with it, too. High school basketball is a great thing – it’s your job to make sure it stays that way.”