In brief: Nilles says yes to GU basketball

Women’s basketball: West Valley standout Shaniqua Nilles, a 5-foot-11 guard, has committed to the Gonzaga women’s basketball team.

“I always wanted to go there,” Nilles said. “It’s close to home. I’ve known Coach (Kelly) Graves for a long time. They have a good program. My best friend, Jazmine Redmon (Mead), is there this year. Just a lot of good reasons.”

Nilles was the Great Northern League MVP and a 2A all-state player.

“I think I could be a good strength outside for (GU),” Nilles said. “I’m a taller guard. It’s going to be a challenge. I know I’m going to have to work really hard and push myself.”

Dave Trimmer

Chiefs’ ‘C’ back to Cowen

Hockey: With Jared Cowen returning to the lineup, the Spokane Chiefs have reissued the captain’s ‘C’ back to the 19-year-old defenseman. Tyler Johnson, who was named captain of the team last week, will be an alternate captain along with 20-year-old Levko Koper.

“Jared was our captain last year, but with him in the NHL at the start of our season we needed a leader from the get-go,” Chiefs coach Don Nachbaur said. “Tyler is a great leader in his own right and shows great character by stepping aside for Jared. It was always our expectation that if Jared returned he would remain the captain. That’s the way it works in hockey. You don’t switch that role.

“We have two great guys to lead our franchise and lead our group.”

• The Chiefs added 19-year-old Darren Kramer from Peace River, Alberta, to their roster. The 6-2, 190-pound forward was with the team in Kamloops on Wednesday.

Kramer played the past two seasons with the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He had 19 goals, 30 points and 311 penalty minutes in 58 games last season.