A bumpy start to the season didn't help Morristown-Beard erase the memory of last winter.
It was the first time the team finished below .500 since the 2006-07 campaign and a five-year streak of reaching the Mennen Cup final was snapped. Despite the 10-13-3 record, coach Scott Greene saw improvement even if it wasn't immediately showing on the scoreboard.
Along with a fresh mentality, this year's Crimson squad had an influx of talented freshmen and its sophomores have blossomed, which helped the team follow that 0-2 start with a 14-game unbeaten streak.
"They got bigger, stronger this year with more confidence," Greene said. "Then to have some new freshmen come in and have an impact as well has been great."
The underclassmen were on full display Saturday at Mennen Arena, led by a goal and two assists from Hollis Humphries, and top-seeded Morristown-Beard, No. 6 in the NJ.com Top 20, took down second-seeded and No. 7 Randolph, 5-1, to win the Mennen Cup.
"It's an unreal experience," said Humphries. "We all bought in. It's just been a great year. We just keep playing our game, unselfish hockey" … "Everyone is going and today we played four lines and played well. Everyone's contributed all year long."
Humphries has earned a role on the top line as the season has progressed with senior Tommy Matthews and junior Cam Fernandez.
The trio has been electric, combining for 54 goals and 81 assists. They totaled three goals and four assists on Saturday.
"He always seems to find the open space," Matthews said of Humphries. "I'll try to get it to him, if not he'll get it to me. Me, him and Cam have developed really good chemistry and I think it showed tonight."
Sophomores Andrew Low and Nick Vantassell have both had breakout seasons with 30 goals and 38 assists.
On the blue line, fellow sophomores Billy Moloney, Jake Ochab and Noah Jones continue to develop behind the leadership of players like captain DJ Layden.
"To have that senior leadership guide some of these guys I think is really important," said Greene. … "I give our seniors on the D side a lot of credit for mentoring those young guys and having them play the right way."
Jones, Ochab and Vantassell totaled two goals and two assists.
While their offensive capabilities aren't in doubt, that production over the past few months has, most importantly, not come at the expense of their defensive game.
"I've played with some of them since I was in sixth grade," said Luke McManus, who had 26 saves. "Just seeing them develop has been great. It's a great feeling seeing them here now."
Brian Bobal may be reached at bbobal@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Brian on Twitter @BrianBobalHS. Like NJ.com High School Sports on Facebook.