1.   Skinner might be the most accomplished shooter on the U.S. team heading to the Nagano Olympics.

2.   With so many injuries, particularly on defense, Dallas looks like a declining team heading into the playoff stretch.

3.   Kayhko, who has not scored any downhill points this season, had not been picked for the Finnish Olympic ski team heading to Salt Lake City .

4.   Kayhko, who has not scored any downhill points this season, was not picked for the Finnish Olympic ski team heading to Salt Lake City next week.

5.   Regardless of how the newcomers fare, Billick likes the makeup of the team heading into the three-day minicamp that begins Friday.

6.   Furthermore, a UN human rights team heading to investigate alleged mass rights abuses in eastern Zaire was blocked Tuesday for a second day in the Rwandan capital Kigali.

7.   Despite losing, Pierce was all smiles about being named to the French Fed Cup team heading to first round action against Argentina next week.