O’Brien: Hope Academy has Peoria potential

There are two high schools named Hope in Chicago. Hope Academy is a private school located just south of 290 between Western and Damen. Hope is a Chicago Public School in Englewood. The Hope Academy basketball team has spent way too much of their lives explaining which school they attend.

If things go according to plan that might not be a problem for much longer. The Eagles are a burgeoning Class 1A powerhouse. They lost to Leo, the eventual Class 1A state runner-up, in the sectional final last season. This year the plan is simple: get to Peoria and win it all.

“It is fire in our bellies,” Hope senior Jordan Doss said. “Last year was disappointment. A lot of us are back and we just want to get it done. I’m sure we will.”

Doss is Hope Academy’s leading scorer this season. He had 12 points, four rebounds and four steals in the Eagles’ 69-55 win against Lincoln Park in the Jimmy Sanders/Shawn Harrington Classic at Collins on Saturday.

“He is definitely a Division I player,” Hope Academy coach Antwon Johnson said. “He’s been with us since eighth grade, a homegrown kid. He has a great upside, 6-6 and he can shoot the ball. He’s athletic, he can rebound. A lot of schools are missing out on a really good talent. He’s a qualifier.”

Doss threw down a pair of powerful dunks in the game.

“I’ve had a few colleges interested, but I’m just focused on working hard and getting the team down to state this year,” Doss said. “I’m sure I will get a few offers to go to college.”

He isn’t the only talented player on the roster. Javari McClendon scored 12 points and grabbed 15 rebounds and Ajani Parker had 12 points and six board. Javion May scored 14 and senior Justin Rodriguez finished with 16 for the Eagles (7-2).

Hope Academy jumped out to a 20-5 lead on Lincoln Park (6-3), which was without three starters. Lions coach Pat Gordon said the trio was out for disciplinary reasons.

Senior Alec Brent led Lincoln Park with 17 points and Terrence Shannon added 13 points and six rebounds.

Hope Academy plays in the Chicago Prep with Ida Crown, Christ The King, Ellison and Holy Trinity. That isn’t a talented basketball league, so a win against a Red Division Public League team provides a major measuring stick.

“We all play together and when we are clicking we are something special,” Doss said. “The teams in our conference are ok, but when we play non-conference games is when we get challenged. We don’t take these opportunities for granted.”

The Eagles beat Morton this season and their two losses came to very good teams, Fenwick and Westinghouse, by a combined seven points.

“Our goal is to win state,” Johnson said. “Our kids work hard, they do exactly what I ask them to do on a daily basis. They get to school on time, they do everything the administration asks them to do as students. This is the result of kids just following simple directions and coaching. We just hope that we don’t get injured or get too much press. We always do well under the radar. “