Nicholls Women’s basketball big three: McKnight, Kenembeni and Swift lead Colonels’ return to victory

Daniel Roy, Staff Writer • February 10, 2026

Nicholls State University women’s basketball, team huddle.

The Nicholls Colonels defeated the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders 69-42 at Stopher Gymnasium, Saturday, Feb. 7.

Behind 19 combined first-quarter points from Sh’Diamond McKnight, Marie Kenembeni and Tanita Swift, the Colonels (11-11, 7-8 Southland Conference) built a 19-5 lead over the Islanders (4-18, 3-12 SLC).

The Colonels dominated across the board, finishing with 10 more rebounds than the Islanders that led into 13 second chance points, 15 steals that turned into 20 points and 31 bench points.

The Colonels trailed just 39 seconds into the game 2-0, after taking the lead with Kenembeni’s three pointer they never trailed again. The Colonels went on to win in dominating fashion.

McKnight led the Colonels with 22 points, followed by Kenembeni with 19 and Swift with 11.

McKnight said coaches emphasized attacking the basket, which helped her score and create opportunities for teammates.

Sh’Diamond McKnight scores layup. (Photo by: Meg Freeman)

The trio combined for 14 of the 15 steals, with Swift leading the way with six. She said the team’s emphasis on defensive aggressiveness paved the way for the performance..

“We’re starting to climb up into people more on defense, and being more aggressive with the ‘hot stove touching’ so it’s both effort and an emphasis.

The Colonels had 19 fast break points compared to the Islanders two, Swift said it is key for the Colonels to be able to get out and play a fast brand of basketball.

“Turnovers are like atomic bombs, so for us to be able to convert especially Baby D (McKnight) on the steals and turnovers, it was good.”

Tanita Swift (right) makes jumpshot. (Photo by: Meg Freeman)

Kenembeni had a major impact in the paint, scoring 12 points in the paint and grabbing 5 boards. She attributed her strong performance to effort and “playing hard.”

“You can do anything on the court but you’re not going to bully me.”

Swift echoed the importance of rebounding.

“Other teams had been outrebounding us recently, so coach has really been onto us about that, she said.”

“It feels good to out rebound them and be able to get those second chance points.”