CSU Rams McKenna Hofschild, Isaiah Stevens named MW preseason players of the year
LAS VEGAS — Colorado State has the Mountain West’s preseason king and queen of the court.
Rams hoopers McKenna Hofschild and Isaiah Stevens were named the conference’s women’s and men’s basketball preseason players of the year, respectively, at conference media days Wednesday and Thursday.
“It’s a blessing,” Stevens said. “I’m super grateful to be recognized for everything that’s been built up, but I’m more concerned with putting my best foot forward and preparing for the season.”
Hofschild led CSU with 20.6 points per game as a senior, helping the Rams finish 20-12 and reach the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.
She is the only Ram on the preseason all-Mountain West team, but Wofford College transfer Jackie Carman was named the conference’s preseason newcomer of the year. Carman averaged 15.1 points per game in her final season at Wofford.
Stevens, entering his fifth year at CSU as a graduate student, was a first-team all-Mountain West honoree in the 2022-23 season. He averaged 17.9 points per game, scoring a season-high 33 against UNLV in January.
Aside from Stevens’ production, the Rams had a disappointing season last year, finishing 15-18 overall. But CSU enters 2023-24 with a new-look team that features transfers Joel Scott, Nique Clifford, Javonte Johnson and Cam Lowe.
“It helps add a chip to the shoulder, but no two seasons are ever the same,” Stevens said. “You have to leave some of that in the past and be as present as possible moving forward.”
Coaches and select media picked Colorado State’s women’s team to finish second in the Mountain West, while the Rams were picked fifth in the men’s poll.
2023-24 Preseason All-Mountain West Women’s Basketball Team
McKenna Hofschild, guard, Colorado State
Kiara Jackson, guard, UNLV
Abby Muse, forward, Boise State
Desi-Rae Young, center, UNLV
Allyson Fertig, center, Wyoming
2023-24 Preseason All-Mountain West Men’s Basketball Team
Isaiah Stevens, guard, Colorado State
Jaelen House, guard, New Mexico
Jamal Mashburn, Jr., guard, New Mexico
Lamont Butler, guard, San Diego State
Tyson Degenhart, forward, Boise State
CSU players Patrick Cartier and Isaiah Stevens speak at Mountain West Basketball Media Day in Las Vegas on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.
