St. Clair men’s basketball team headed in the right direction

By: Daelyn Davis

For the first time since the 2013-2014 season, the St. Clair Saints pulled off an even record of 10 wins and 10 losses.

A few changes were made this past summer to help turn the Saints basketball program around, which includes hiring new head coaches Brendon Seguin and Mathew Sykes. The two coaches decided to enhance their recruiting class by going to the United States.  They picked up two big time players including David Gomez Jr from Pontiac, Michigan and Jalen Sykes from Detroit, Michigan. These two led the Saints in scoring with Gomez averaging a team high 24 points and Sykes averaging 20.

The Saints started the season slowly, and chances of making the playoffs were looking slim with a record of four wins and 10 losses in the regular season. They needed a spark to make a playoff run and that is exactly what they got. The Saints went on a six game win streak to clinch the final spot in the playoffs.

Gomez made a couple of impressive accomplishments this year, from being named a West Division 2nd team All-Star to breaking the single season scoring record with 483 points.

Gomez said he is happy he chose St. Clair College.

“I fell in love on my visit here, I had a great connection with the coaches and felt a family atmosphere,” said Gomez.

St. Clair College unfortunately lost against the defending national champions Seneca College, and were knocked out of the playoffs. This minor setback did not stop Gomez. In fact it motivated him.

“Although we fell short this time around I am confident that we will win it all next year. Trust me, it will be a season to remember,” said Gomez.

Jalen Sykes is also a big impact player with the Saints and he is big on turning the culture around for the basketball program.

“The biggest thing for me is making sure that we are all in it together as a family and that we look at each other as brothers and make sure we have each other’s back on and off the court,” said Sykes. “Us staying together as a family will bring us a winning culture and will put our basketball program on the radar. We are moving in a positive direction and I love it.”

The Saints have improved and they have the personnel to keep improving. If you are or will be a student at St. Clair College next fall you can try out for the men’s basketball team. Tryout dates will be posted on the St. Clair College athletic website.