Senior Day Success: Beavers Roll Past Principia

CARLINVILLE, IL — The Blackburn men's basketball team set the tone early and never let go, rolling past Principia College on Senior Day, 90–69.

Blackburn honored three senior athletes from the men's basketball team: Cameron Johnson, Cayden Paquette, and Darius Duff. Cameron has made 70 appearances during his time at Blackburn, including 22 starts. A career 46.6% shooter from the field, Cameron entered the game with 528 career points. Throughout his career, he has been a steady presence both on the floor and in the locker room. Cayden has made 56 appearances with 22 starts. A career 35% shooter from three-point range, he entered the game with 260 career points and has been a consistent deep-range threat for the program over four years. Darius has made 69 appearances, including 48 starts. A career 47.6% shooter from the field, he entered the game with 708 career points at Blackburn. Darius has been a dynamic player for the program over the past three seasons.

Congratulations to these three seniors in their final season with Blackburn men's basketball.

The Beavers were led once again by freshman Jaylen Jeter, who finished with 22 points, three steals, and two assists. Not far behind were juniors Kamerin Carter with 17 points, four rebounds, and three steals, and Payton Cook with 13 points while leading the team on the boards with seven rebounds.

The Beavers struck first and built momentum almost immediately. After opening the game with strong defensive possessions, Blackburn jumped out to a 9–2 lead, highlighted by a Cook jumper and a three-pointer from junior Kcion Welch. From there, Blackburn's defense fueled the offense, forcing turnovers and turning them into points at the other end.

Midway through the first half, Blackburn went on a decisive run sparked by the bench. Paquette and Jeter knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to push the lead into double digits, and the Beavers never looked back. Jeter was everywhere during that stretch, knocking down shots, attacking the rim, and jumping passing lanes for steals that led directly to baskets.

Blackburn's pressure defense was the story of the opening half. The Beavers forced numerous Principia turnovers, converting them into quick points from freshman Evan Jordan, Carter, and Jeter. By halftime, Blackburn had built a commanding 41–24 lead, capped by free throws from Cook in the final seconds.

Coming out of the break, Blackburn stayed aggressive. Junior Owen Walter and Cook scored early inside to maintain control, while Carter continued to punish Principia in transition. Paquette added another three to extend the lead to 50–32, keeping the momentum firmly on Blackburn's side.

Principia attempted to respond with spurts, but every push was answered. Carter caught fire midway through the second half, drilling multiple three-pointers and finishing at the rim to stretch the lead past 20. Jeter added timely buckets, and Johnson knocked down key perimeter shots to keep the offense flowing.

Down the stretch, Blackburn emptied the bench without losing intensity. Junior Bradyn Pieper made an immediate impact, scoring inside, knocking down a late three, and swatting a shot in the final seconds to punctuate the performance. Blackburn's depth, ball movement, and defensive energy carried the night, as the Beavers cruised to a convincing 90–69 victory.

The men return to action Thursday in Columbus, Mississippi, as they take on the MUW Owls, with a 7:30 p.m. CST tipoff.