St. Clair Saints Host OCAA Final Four, Eye First Title Since 2023 Championship
The St. Clair Saints have firmly established themselves among the elite in men's college basketball, and they're poised to make history once again. For the second time in four years, the Saints will host the OCAA Final Four at the SportsPlex, beginning this Friday, with their sights set on capturing their first championship since their gold-medal performance in 2023.
This marks St. Clair's fifth consecutive appearance in the Final Four, making them the only OCAA program to achieve this remarkable consistency over the past five years. The team enters the tournament ranked No. 4 nationally and fresh off winning their third West Division regular-season title in four years with a 15-3 record.
A Program Built for Success
"It's hard to put into words," said Saints co-head coach Brendon Seguin, who took over the program in 2018 alongside co-head coach Matt Sykes. "Just a credit to all the players that have been part of the program over the last six or seven years."
The Saints have finished on the podium in three of the last four years, demonstrating their sustained excellence. "We put in a program where it was Final Four or bust, and that's where we've gotten to, and I'm proud of it," Seguin added. "There are 20 teams in men's basketball, and to be in the top four is something to be proud of."
Overcoming Early Season Challenges
The road to this year's Final Four wasn't without its obstacles. After starting the campaign with a 2-2 record, St. Clair's season prospects appeared uncertain. "We started 2-0 and dropped back-to-back games, which is something we haven't done for a while," Seguin recalled. "We had some tough meetings about where we wanted to go."
The turnaround came thanks to senior leadership from Mazin Tiea, Jacob Masters, and Kyle Brown-Fazekas, who stepped up to guide the team. "They deserve a lot for continuing this," Seguin said. "To their credit, the team reeled off 12 in a row" to secure their division title.
Local Talent Driving Team Chemistry
What makes this Saints team particularly unique is its strong local representation. Of the 12-man roster, eight players hail from the local area, a significant increase from previous seasons. "I don't think we've ever had more than three or four locals," Seguin noted.
Several of these players were teammates in high school or competed against each other at the secondary school level, creating exceptional team chemistry. "Just the team camaraderie," Seguin explained. "With this group, there's a ton of local guys that are able to separate the serious from the fun. They've been a ton of fun to coach. They keep things light, but they're super competitive."
Balanced Excellence on Both Ends
The Saints enter the Final Four with impressive statistical credentials. Not only were they the OCAA's top scoring team, averaging 95.4 points per game, but they also boasted the league's best defensive record, allowing just 72.3 points per game.
"First in points against is something we haven't done before," Seguin emphasized, highlighting the team's well-rounded approach.
Star Power Leading the Charge
Key to St. Clair's success is Mazin Tiea, a Kennedy High School product who stands six-foot-seven. Tiea was named West Division defensive player of the year for the second consecutive year and earned first-team all-star honors while averaging 12 points per game.
As the Saints prepare to host the OCAA Final Four, they carry not only the momentum of their regular-season success but also the weight of their program's recent history. With a blend of experienced leadership, local talent, and statistical dominance, St. Clair aims to add another championship banner to their growing legacy in men's college basketball.
