SARANAC LAKE — The North Country Community College men's basketball team will rely on its returners and a strong freshman class to conquer a tough conference schedule.

Guards Damon Hunter and Shamar Logins and forwards Malik Wilkinson and Marvin Bien-Aime are back for their sophomore seasons to join 14 freshman.

The Saints finished last season at 20-9, losing to No. 2 Herkimer in a NJCAA Region III Division III quarterfinal.

Hunter (22.2) and Wilkinson (10.9) were two of the team's top bucket-getters.

North Country coach Daryl Crist expects his second-year players to lead the way.

"Our team's strength is our returning sophomores," Crist said.

"Our sophomores have been with me, been with the program, and we are leaning on them heavily to navigate this difficult Region III schedule."

The dynamic duo of Hunter and Wilkinson have helped North Country jump out to a 4-1 record to start the season.

Hunter is averaging 26 points, while Wilkinson is at 16 points a game.

The Saints' first-year players, Crist said, have already showed signs of growth and a willingness to learn the system.

"Another strength for us is our freshman class," Crist said. "They are a young group that has bought into the program and has progressed nicely through the preseason work and our first five games.

"(Freshmen) Jonathan Thornton, Wilkins Desulme and KJ Myricks have all already had an impact this season. All of them are capable, but those are the guys that have stepped up so far. Others will be called upon. Their numbers will be called."

In all four of the team's wins this season, North Country has beaten teams by at least 15 points.

Although it's early in the season, Crist said the team has found its identity.

"We have gotten off to a strong start," Crist said. "We've worked very hard, and our personality will be to work hard and play defense. That's what will make us successful."