State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast

How does a town of less than a thousand people build one of the greatest basketball traditions in South Dakota history? In this special Traditions Series episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, Todd and Nate explore the remarkable legacy of Armour Packers basketball, a program built on family, coaching, accountability, and a community-wide expectation of excellence. Joined by legendary coach Burnel...

This Father's Day, State of Hoops celebrates the men who helped shape South Dakota basketball, and the generations they inspired. Todd and Nate open this special tribute episode by reflecting on the unique bond between basketball and family. Nate shines a spotlight on his father, South Dakota Basketball Hall of Famer Tom Malchow. From his days at Aberdeen Central and a State A Championship in...

Before South Dakota players were earning national attention, before spring and summer basketball became a statewide phenomenon, there was the Dakota Schoolers. In Episode 23, Nate and Todd sit down with Dakota Schoolers founder Paul Seville for a fascinating look back at the origins of one of the most influential AAU basketball programs in South Dakota history. From humble beginnings in Aberdeen t...

In Episode 22 of the State of Hoops, Todd and Nate sit down with South Dakota’s 2026 Mr. & Miss Basketball winners, Ashlyn Koupal of Wagner and Blake Ellwein of Huron, for an unforgettable conversation about family, community, work ethic, and the journeys that led them to becoming two of the most celebrated players in state history. The episode dives into the significance of the South Dakota M...

In Episode 22 of the State of Hoops, Todd and Nate sit down with South Dakota’s 2026 Mr. & Miss Basketball winners, Ashlyn Koupal of Wagner and Blake Ellwein of Huron, for an unforgettable conversation about family, community, work ethic, and the journeys that led them to becoming two of the most celebrated players in state history. The episode dives into the significance of the South Dakota M...

In Episode 21 of The State of Hoops: a South Dakota Basketball Podcast, host Todd Schlekeway sits down with MJ Hrabik, founder of Metaballic Hoops Academy, to explore the growing impact of year-round skills training on player development across the state. As AAU season ramps up and the offseason becomes increasingly critical, the conversation highlights how access to individualized training is res...

In this Legends Series episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow welcome South Dakota basketball great Josh Mueller to reflect on a career defined by confidence, competition, and unforgettable moments. From growing up in Hartford and playing for his father, Kent Mueller, to leading West Central Trojans to back-to-back state titles and delivering one of the great...

This episode of the State of Hoops offers a comprehensive recap of the SDHSAA State Boys Basketball Tournaments. Podcast co-hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow share their insights, analysis, and memorable moments from all three classes of state boys tournaments. Episode 19 also includes the interactive "Bleacher Preachers" segment as well as the popular "Show-Out Shout-Out" segment. State of H...

Episode 18 of the State of Hoops Podcast brings together a roundtable of South Dakota basketball voices for a deep dive into the excitement surrounding the upcoming Class AA, Class A, and Class B Boys State Basketball Tournaments. Hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow welcome special guests Nate Kaeding, Brian Norberg, and David Tukesbrey for a wide-ranging conversation previewing one of the bigg...

In Episode 17 of State of Hoops, Todd and Nate are back talking all things March hoops across South Dakota, from the electric atmosphere of the Summit League Tournament to a full preview of the South Dakota Girls State Basketball Tournaments. In this episode's Bleacher Preacher segment, Todd and Nate invite listeners to join the conversation. Fans are encouraged to send in their predictions fo...

It’s tournament time, and we’re talking West River hoops and postseason matchups with special guest Nate Brown, host of The Nate Brown Show. With 20 + years covering South Dakota sports, Nate brings key insight as March Madness tips off. The episode includes a detailed break down of West River girls and boys basketball teams across Classes B, A, and AA - previewing Region and SoDak 16 matchups, sp...

"Stories with Stu" welcomes legendary South Dakota sportswriter Stu Whitney for an in-depth conversation of his three decades covering basketball across the Mount Rushmore State. Known for fearless commentary and heartfelt storytelling, Stu reveals the passion and grind that made him a trusted voice for SD basketball fans for 30 years. During his three decades on the sports beat, Whitney...

In this episode of the State of Hoops podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow reflect on their shared experiences in South Dakota basketball, celebrate standout performances from a handful of early February games, and devote the "Chalk Talk" segment to discussing the importance of rebounding in the sport. The hosts also engage in an interactive "Give and Go" segment abo...

In the world of college basketball, few programs have such a rich tradition and impact as Northern State University. In this episode of the State of Hoops podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow welcome two legends of the game, Shane Warwick and Keith Moore, to reminisce about their experiences playing for the legendary Coach Bob Olson. Their heartfelt stories not only honor the legacy of...

Youth basketball holds a special place in the hearts of many, serving as a foundation for skills, friendships, and unforgettable memories. In the latest episode of the State of Hoops podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow share their experiences and insights from their time on the youth basketball circuit, offering valuable lessons for parents, coaches, and young players alike. The episod...

In this episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow are joined by special guest Lance Luitjens for a meaningful conversation about the lasting impact of his father, legendary South Dakota high school basketball coach Larry Luitjens. Few names in South Dakota basketball carry the weight and respect of Larry Luitjens. As the state’s all-time winningest boys basketba...

In this episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow welcome college basketball TV analyst Brad Newitt for an in-depth look at the current collegiate hoops landscape. As conference play heats up, Brad provides insightful analysis on how South Dakota’s NCAA Division I and Division II men’s and women’s basketball programs are performing, and what their paths to March...

In this episode of the State of Hoops podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow reflect on the New Year and discuss the various high school basketball classics that took place over the Christmas/Holiday season. With high school teams now having a month's worth of games under their belt, Episode 9 also unveils the "Chalk Talk" segment, where Todd and Nate discuss the importance...

In this "Legend Series Episode" of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow welcome basketball icon Becky (Flynn) Jensen. They discuss her remarkable journey from growing up in a basketball family in small town Wakonda, South Dakota, to becoming one of the state's all-time great girls basketball players. The conversation highlights Becky's father/coach R...

In this episode of the State of Hoops podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow dive into the rich tradition and excitement surrounding the 2025 Lakota Nation Invitational. Joined by special guest Dale Pine Jr., they explore the impact of Native American basketball in South Dakota, highlighting key players and teams to watch. From the cultural significance of the event to the thrilling match...

In this episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow are joined by reporter Jason Andera from SDPB Sports to discuss the 2025-2026 South Dakota High School Boys Basketball Season. The conversation previews the landscape of South Dakota high school basketball, focusing on the upcoming Class AA, A, and B boys' seasons. The discussion highlights the excitement sur...

In this episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow are joined by sports reporters Jason Andera (SDPB Sports) and Ryan Deal (605 Sports) to discuss the upcoming South Dakota High School Girls Basketball Season. The episode devotes conversation and coverage to key players, teams to watch, and memorable games from past seasons, while also providing insights into the...

Episode 4 of State of Hoops debuts the podcast’s new Legends Series with an in-depth and personal conversation featuring Jason Sutherland, one of South Dakota’s most electrifying and influential multi-sport athletes. Renowned for his eye-popping athleticism and competitive fire, Sutherland’s legacy in South Dakota basketball, and his broader impact on the state’s sports culture, remains unmatched....

College Basketball has tipped off! In this episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow sit down with NCAA Division I basketball official Kelly Pfeifer. They explore Kelly's roots in South Dakota, his path to becoming a top-tier referee, and the challenges and rewards of officiating at the highest levels. Kelly shares insights into the preparation and mindset r...

The leaves are falling and the basketballs are bouncing - Episode 2 of the State of Hoops Podcast is here! In this episode, Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow talk all things fall hoops -college practices, youth club season prep, and the countdown to the high school season. This episode also dives into the WNBA Finals coaching showdown between South Dakota's own Becky Hammon and Nate Tibbetts. T...