Leaders of the New School

Candace Parker - youth, style and grace

Sue Bird - leadership and poise 

Cappie Pondexter - tenacity and intelligence

Diana Taurasi - aggressive and smooth

"Brothers front, they say the tribe can't flow, but we've been known to do the impossible like Broadway Joe...so, sleep if you want, my crew will help you get your Z's troop, but here's the real scoop..."

Phife Dog - Scenario 

The media will have you to believe that there is only one Team USA, which is unfair to the 1200 athletes that are in Beijing vying for medals and glory. These games are the ultimate array of all sports, as the United States have teams throughout the entire competition. What matters most to some, may not carry as much meaning to another. So with that said, I'd be remiss if I didn't write about the Sr. Women's Basketball Team. They are, with their win this morning 26-0 in Olympic competition since their semifinal loss against Brazil in 1992.  

They are led by the familiar touch of Dawn Staley and Lisa Leslie, as Staley has a new role of assistant coach, and Leslie, ever the ambassador is leading by example for the young members on the team. With Coach Anne Donovan at the helm, Team USA continues to prove their dominance over the world. The catalyst for their prowess is a mixture of moxie, superior talent, and unity. Heading the charge are guards Cappie Pondexter, Diana Taurasi, Kara Lawson, and Sue Bird who was molded by Staley. The front court is just as difficult to match-up against with Tamika Catchings, Tina Thompson (wears red lipstick for good luck), Leslie, Katie Smith, DeLisha Milton-Jones, Seimone Augustus, and new comers Candace Parker, and Sylvia Fowles.

What makes this group so formidable is their experience of playing with and against each other. The men showed what talent without togetherness looks like, and this women's team is togetherness personified. Lisa Leslie and Dawn Staley are BEST friends. Leslie also plays with the LA Sparks along side Parker, and Milton-Jones. Pondexter, and Taurasi play for the Phoenix Mercury, Lawson and Catchings starred for the Lady Vols together, and the other college connection is that of Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi with UCONN. 

Mystery solved...and while they got off to a slow start against the Czech Republic, they accomplished the mission winning by 40-points, 97-57. Kara Lawson was the spark plug, as Sylvia Fowles in her first Olympic match helped to pace the team with 16 points,  and 14 rebounds to go along with 2 blocks. (yes it was block party in Beijing and the Czech Republic were the special invited guest) The men's team showed their support by attending and cheering the women on to victory. 

The men's and women's teams are on the road for the gold, and three weeks from now, the games will be over. However the saga will continue in London for the 2012 Games, as the women's team, won't stop working to remain second to none. 

Photos: Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE/Getty Images 

                Garrett Elwood/Getty Images

Acclaimed Comedian and Actor Bernie Mac passed away this morning as reported by the Chicago Sun Times. He is gone, but not forgotten.