The Starting Line

We all have to start somewhere, folks, and we're starting here and now.

Comets Close Doors
First things first, the Houston Comets folded yesterday. The franchise that dominated the first four WNBA seasons, winning four consecutive titles with the help of three Olympic gold medalists in Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson, is no longer in operation. Mechelle Voepel writes that it wasn't a shock and believes the league will survive. People are chatting about it in the blogosphere and there's a chance that if a new owner (the league has been running the team for the past few months) steps up, the team could be ressurected for the 2010 season. But for now, there will be no Comets basketball in 2009. The dispersal draft will take place Dec. 8.

Men's U18 Roundup
Slam previews the 2009 Hoophall Classic, which is played over Martin Luther King weekend and this year will feature Dominic Cheek, David Wear and Travis Wear, teammates on the 2008 USA U18 National Team. The News & Observer notes that Ryan Kelly has hit a double-double in each of his first three games this season and is currently ranked third on his school's all-time scoring list with 1,274 points. Already making a name for himself at college is Kemba Walker, who earns praise from Jeff Jacobs for his speed and agility, not to mention his hoop skills he brought to UConn and is sharpening up for Big East play.

Youth Olympics
Canada wants to host the 2014 Youth Olympics, but only after getting some more insight into what the IOC wants it to focus on - top notch athletes or more of a cultural flair?t