Make It Rain Showcase – Day 2 Recap

Sponsored by The Ranch House

Elevate Basketball Academy didn’t leave Denver with a championship trophy, but they left with something that may matter even more this early in the season — proof that they can compete with some of the region’s top club teams. Over two days at the Make It Rain Showcase, EBA showed they have the toughness, hustle, and shot-making to hang with anyone — and they’re only getting better.

On Sunday morning at Horizon High School, EBA opened Silver Bracket play against Box State Legacy out of Denver. The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with EBA taking a 7-point lead early in the second quarter before Box State fought back to make it 19-17 at the break.

The critical moment came midway through the third quarter. After Box State grabbed a brief lead, Jesse Peshlakai made the game’s defining play — diving on the floor for a loose ball and swinging momentum back to EBA. From there, Elevate closed the game on a 14-3 run, pulling away for the win.

Buster Salazar led the scoring with 21 points, his second straight standout performance of the weekend. Cruz Berkshire added 8 points and turned in another strong effort defensively and on the glass.

That set up a Silver Bracket Championship matchup with the Flyers, a well-regarded Denver program known for their shooting. The Flyers lived up to that reputation early, hitting 4-of-6 from three-point range in the first half to take a 25-23 lead into halftime.

EBA didn’t fold. After falling behind by as many as seven in the second half, they clawed their way back and tied the game late in the fourth quarter with a tough layup by Sam Armijo. But in the closing minutes, the Flyers made a few more big shots and knocked down critical free throws to hold on for a 49-45 win.

Cruz Berkshire paced EBA with 13 points in the final. Buster Salazar added 11, while Sam Armijo and Salo Bird chipped in 7 points apiece.

EBA now sets its sights on the Albuquerque Salsa Slam, tipping off Friday night at 9:00 PM at Duke City Sportsplex against the WTX Bullets, a strong club team from Texas.

If this weekend was any indication, EBA is ready for the next step.