Rosedale Elite MLK Tournament

 

 

St. Albans, NY - Yesterday, Rosedale Elite hosted its MLK Tournament. NYGHoops Report was on hand to take in the afternoon playoff games. The eight-team event hosted two-divisions. Later that day, both division champs would face off for a Championship game.

Castle Athletics 16u, the eventual event Champion, would play Top Notch Lady Ballers 15u in the championship game. These are some of the standouts I got to see play during my time at the event. 

 

Kayla Hopson 5’8 castle Athletics (2023) Pictured

 

To try and figure out what position she played would do her a disservice. She is more of a throwback to the days when players had to learn as many skill sets as possible. Strong enough to out muscle you for a rebound, fast enough to beat you down the court in tradition. If left open will make you pay from downtown and, when needed, handles the ball. She attends The Mary Louis Academy. 

 

Farrah Pitt 5’5 P.G. (2021) Rosedale Elite 

 

Pitts was equally as effective on both sides of the ball. At times applying full pressure on the ball and making it hard for the opposing pg to get into a rhythm. Farrah displayed the ability to knock down the three-point shot when left open and did an excellent job balancing between running the team and scoring. She attends Valley Stream Central H.S. 2022

 

 

Bethani Overby 5’11 W Top Notch (2025) 

 

While not yet a finished product Overby has some appealing tools. Listed at 5’11 but looks and plays bigger than her listed size. The lefty did a decent job rebounding and showed some ability to finish through contact. Good defensive instincts - coming up with a few steals, blocks, and deflections. 

 

Olivia Vukosa 6’4 P Top Notch Lady Ballers (2026)

 

Great frame and strength for such a young prospect. At this point, more of a rim protector when the laying up in the high school ranks. Showed some ability to rebound and start the break versus the older kids and was always willing to mix it up when things got physical. Keep an eye out for this one. 

 

Yamani McKayle 5’4 P.G. Top Notch (2024) 

 

Pint-size guard carried the scoring load for her top-notch lady ballers team. Most of her points came from attacking the rim or from behind the arc. McKayle proved to be a dependable ball handler with a nice feel for the game when the ball is in her hands. She can be a ball watcher at times. Attends Forest Hills H.S. 
 

Kimora Smith 5’11 Castle Athletics (2024)

 

Long, lean athletic combo forward at this point somewhat of a rim protector. Agile gets up and down the court with ease, thrived in the traditional game. Attends St. Francis Prep H.S. 

 

Arianna Mercado 5’5 PG Team United (2025)

 

Poised young floor general that never got rattled. See the floor, displayed range to the arc. She played under control and at her own pace.