Inoue heads

PREMIERSHIP glory has led Tamara Inoue to reach for the stars.
The former Knox Raiders Big V Youth League Women’s head coach has taken the next big step in her career.
She has left Australian shores to pursue a dream to coach college ball.
Inoue has led Victoria teams, Knox and Nunawading, to consecutive 2007-08 premierships.
But now after another successful year on the Australian scene, Inoue has been chosen for the big time, the chance to coach in the NCAA Division 1 College Women’s Basketball in the United States.
She will take up her first college ball post as assistant coach with Santa Clara University, with the season tipping off later this month.
While back on the home turf, assistant coach Caroline Duckett will be filling Inoue’s shoes as head coach.
Knox Basketball CEO Simon Brookhouse said Duckett’s credentials and performance in the supporting role to Inoue this past season was a major factor in the appointment.
“It’s fantastic to award the job to a loyal assistant and someone who has the credentials like she (Duckett) does,” Brookhouse said.
“She did a great job along with Tamara and it was reflected by the championship win and the vast improvement in our young players.
Duckett, who like her predecessor has two championships under her belt, will be looking to go one better in season 2009 as she takes over the reigns of Knox as the Raiders embark on defending their title.
Joining the ranks of promotion will be last season’s second assistant coach, Scott O’Keeffe who will move to first assistant.
“It’s good to be working with Scott again,” Duckett said. “I’m very excited for the upcoming 2009 season…. it’s great to see the return of so many of our players and we’ll be looking to promote some of our juniors up to experience the taste of senior basketball.”