The Comets have won each of the WNBA's four titles but don't even have home-court advantage in the first round this year, leaving the door open for a new champion. The Sparks are ready and waiting, holding the league's best regular season record and longest winning streak in league history. The Rockers are hoping to upend the Liberty in the East, while New York thinks it's finally the year for the Liberty to come home happy from the Championship series. Or are the Comets just bluffing to catch the league unaware en route to their fifth title?

Well, we already know that's not true, thanks to the Sparks sweeping the Comets out of the first round. The Rockers, Starzz and Sol will also have to wait until next year.

Here's what you thought going into the first round:

Hey WNBA! I think that New York Liberty will win the championship this year! They deserve it in everyway possible, and they work so hard for it! It's their time to shine now!
Shannon
Danielsville, Pa.

Riley

I think that the Miami Sol will go all the way this year! They can't go wrong with the rookie Ruth Riley! With her height and power, they've got this all wrapped up! Go SOL!!!
Giuliana
Santa Barbara, Calif.

It's about time for a new team to win. Houston has been strong for too long. Go ahead and engrave this year's award to the L.A. Sparks.
Ronnie
Las Vegas

I think the Monarchs will win the WNBA Championship in 2001. They can match up with the Sparks in every way and I think they have the heart to take it to L.A. in the West Finals. They will then finish it up in the Championship! Go Monarchs!
Heidi
Thorp, Wisc.

Los Angeles, of course!!!! No one can beat us at home and few can beat us on the road. We now have the heart of a champion, the confidence of a winner and the talent to take it all. Start planning the parade!!!!!
Margie
Northridge, Calif.

Leslie

The LA Sparks will win the WNBA Championship because they are on a mission led by the most dominate player in the league, Lisa Leslie. The Sparks have the capability to turn their play up a notch when needed and close out an opponent.
Vanessa
Tuscaloosa, Ala.

The New York Liberty will win the Championship this year. This is their time ... This is their dance. They will play every moment and leave nothing to chance.

I BELIEVE!!!
LET'S GO LIBERTY!!!! I LOVE NEW YORK!!!!!
Arin
Lakewood, N.J.

I think the Charlotte Sting will surprise everyone and become the league's fifth champion. Coach Anne Donovan has done a great job in her first season in Charlotte!
J.
Manning, S.C.

My vote for 2001 WNBA champion is my home team, the Miami Sol! They are internationally skilled and can be lightning fast on the court. However, all WNBA teams were exciting this season, the first year that I've watched the league play. Good Luck, Coach and the Sol. See you next year.
J.G.
Miami

The New York Liberty will win the 2001 WNBA Championship. The Libertybelles were left at the altar three times as bridesmaids instead of brides. From experience, the Liberty know that "losers" let it happen and "winners" make it happen. The New York Liberty will make it happen in 2001.
Solomon
Hackensack, N.J.

Everyone talks about LA, Houston or NY...but the fact is that Cleveland has had one of the best seasons of any WNBA team this year. My bet is on the Rockers to be the second team to bring home the title!
Scott
Lakewood, Ohio

I honestly think that this is the year for the East. Don't get me wrong, I know the Sparks are on a roll, but I think with the Comets winning four championships in a row, I believe that the East is now ready to make their mark. It's a tough decision to choose between the Cleavland Rockers; with the way they're playing right now or the New York Liberty, but being that New York is my favorite team, I would have to go with the New York Liberty taking the WNBA Championship title for 2001!
Amanda
Baltimore

Griffith

I think Sacramento will win because L.A. doesn't have the height. I think Yolanda's daughter Candace has been a big help for her mom and the rest of the team just by being there watching. Sacramento has the works and will make it. Go Sacramento!!
Amanda
Butler, Ky.

I believe the Sparks will "bring it on" this year for two reasons. One is that they have really showed that they are a team and are mortal and two it's just about time for them to win it. Houston had their chance four times already and it is time for them to sit back and congratulate someone else. Yes, Utah has come a long way,but they also have a longer way to go. New York has come close three times and I believe three strikes and you are out. Cleveland can "rock", but not this time. To me the Sparks are the only team to show their true "sparks" even with their losses all season long. In saying all that, to the Sparks shall the trophy go.
Dotty
Los Angeles

I know Houston has had an incredible unbeatable streak of four titles, but this one won't follow. The Sacramento Monarchs are an outstanding team with loads of ability that can be unleashed at any given moment. With the help of Ticha and Yo, the Monarchs have a sure shot at the championships in my book!!
Amanda
Carmel, Ind.

Weatherspoon

I think that the New York Liberty will win the WNBA Championship because you have great leadership in their point guard, T-spoon and you have a huge workhorse in Tari Phillips and you have the best all around player in the WNBA in my opinion in Vickie Johnson. And off the bench you have players like Sue Wicks and Becky Hammond and people, let's not forget that New York beat Houston in Houston this year, 64-61. I think that gave the Liberty the confidence they need to win it all.
Layne
Coushatta, La.

The Comets ... they are the four-time WNBA Champions. They have faced tremendous odds in each of their last three championships. They had to fill in because of Cynthia's retirement and Sheryl's injury with rookies. The X-Factor. The opposing team do not know who will step up and help Tina, Arcain and Tiffany. Hence, they can not plan their defense for an unknown factor. The Sparks have veteran players, but the Comets have experienced champions. They have been there before and they performed when the curtain rose.
James
Channelview, Texas

Sadly (we're Sparks fans) this is New York's year. They have too much experience for Miami, Cleveland has lately shown that, for all Dan Hughes' miracle working, they are not all that, and it's asking a lot for Charlotte to win two series without home-court advantage. The Sparks will come out of the West, probably over Sacramento, but New York is tougher, nastier, and will be hungrier when they get to the finals.
Chris
Carlsbad, Calif.