The autumn chill is in the air; football, soccer, and volleyball are hitting their stride, and basketball fever is officially back in Pueblo’s heart.
On October 29, Colorado State University Pueblo will throw open the doors to Harry H. Simmons Court for the third annual Massari Madness. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., bringing the campus and community together for an electrifying showcase featuring both the men’s and women’s basketball squads as they put the finishing touches on their preparations for the upcoming 2026-2027 campaign.
For Pack fans, Massari Madness has quickly become a beloved tradition – the ultimate high-energy curtain-raiser that offers a first look at the speed, skill, and chemistry driving both programs forward.
Women’s Preview: Reloading the Sisterhood
Entering his eighth season at the helm, women’s head coach Tommie Johnson has approached the offseason with a clear philosophy: the Pack isn’t rebuilding; they’re reloading.
Coach Johnson’s 13-woman roster blends gritty returnees with high-impact newcomers. The program has welcomed several notable additions, including sharp-shooting scorer and defender Kate Gallery (transfer from Regis), Pueblo West native and versatile “glue-guy” Gabby Louther, and dynamic two-way presence Shelomi Sanders. They are joined by Wichita State transfer Karys Washington, a physical competitor capable of securing nightly double-doubles, and pesky point guard Jaz Salon, expected to anchor full-court defensive pressure.
That incoming talent joins a hard-working core of returners, including Laci Roffle, Dasani Nesbit, Jada Bobb, Anila Owens, Malorie Byrne, and Talia Strode. Combined with an exhaustive offseason conditioning regimen crafted in collaboration with CSU Pueblo cross country and track & field coach Matt Morris, the Pack women are built to run, press, and compete fiercely in the rugged Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
Men’s Preview: Building on a Strong Foundation
On the men’s side, head coach Zach Ruebesam returns for his second season after a stellar debut that captivated ThunderWolves fans. In his first campaign, Ruebesam guided the Pack to a brilliant 22–8 overall record, a 15–5 mark in conference play, a second-place finish in the RMAC regular-season standings, and a deep run to the postseason semifinals.
Rather than rest on those laurels, Ruebesam and his staff have reloaded with a potent mix of seven returners and eight newcomers (five transfers and three freshmen), centered on culture, character, and continuity.
Senior guard Jaden Kennis will anchor the floor, hailed by Ruebesam as the “heartbeat” of the team after averaging 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists a year ago. Joining him are sophomore sharpshooter Bryce Riehl (who shot an elite 46.5% from beyond the arc as a freshman), veteran facilitator Mac Terry (99 assists to just 33 turnovers last season), paint protector Kyren Allen, and culture guardians like Cash Callaway, Corbin Garver, and Max Howery.
The Pack also bolstered its lineup through the transfer portal with proven RMAC commodities like Marzouq Abdur-Razaaq, physical frontcourt presence William Amoah, shooting guards Quis Davis and Ethan Johnson, and competitor Tevin Riehl, alongside promising local freshmen like Corey Hill, Aymen Ismail, and Lowry Kirkland.
Join the Celebration
With both teams blending veteran leadership with exciting new faces, Massari Madness on October 29 promises a sneak peek at two rosters poised to make major noise in the RMAC this winter.
Pack fans are encouraged to pack Harry H. Simmons Court at 7 p.m. to welcome the student-athletes, feel the electricity of a new season, and help launch the Pack toward winter glory. See you at Massari!
