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 episode incorporates the popular "Chalk Talk", "Give and Go", and "Bleacher Preacher" segments, all focused on youth basketball centric content and dialogue. As always, the show wraps up with the Show-Out Shout-Out segment and a heartfelt thank-you to the sponsors who keep the game going.

State of Hoops Podcast Season 1 Sponsors: South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame, Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate, Park Bench Apparel, Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman and Zach Hanson, Financial Consultants), and Insight.

Basketball fans are encouraged to connect with the hosts by email at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and to follow, like, subscribe, and engage with the State of Hoops Podcast on social media:

* YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast

* Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast

*X: @StateofHoopsPod

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 basketball coach, his influence reached far beyond wins and championships. Through personal stories and thoughtful reflections, Lance offers a behind-the-scenes look at the values, relationships, and life lessons that defined his father’s coaching career.

Coach Luitjens’ legacy transcends banners and box scores. It is a legacy rooted in resilience, community, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His impact continues to shape generations of coaches and players, serving as a reminder that the true measure of success lies in the lives touched and values instilled along the way.

The episode also highlights the annual Larry Luitjens Coach of Influence Award, presented each March at the South Dakota High School Basketball Tournaments, and provides listeners with information on how to nominate a deserving coach for consideration in 2026.

As always, the show wraps up with the Show-Out Shout-Out segment and a heartfelt thank-you to the sponsors who keep the game going.State of Hoops Podcast Season 1 Sponsors:South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame, Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate, Park Bench Apparel, Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman and Zach Hanson, Financial Consultants), and Insight.

Basketball fans are encouraged to connect with the hosts by email at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and to follow, like, subscribe, and engage with the State of Hoops Podcast on social media:

*YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast

*Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast

*X: @StateofHoopsPod

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 could look like.

The episode also features a spirited “Give and Go” segment centered on the future of the Summit League. As always, the show wraps up with the fan-favorite “Show-Out Shout-Out,” celebrating standout performances and moments from around the state.

A special thank you to our Season 1 sponsors who help keep the game going: South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame, Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate, Park Bench Apparel, Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman & Zach Hanson Financial Consultants), and Insight.

Basketball fans across South Dakota are encouraged to connect with the podcast via email at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and follow along on social media:

* YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast

* Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast

* X: @StateofHoopsPod

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 of ball reversals to mitigate over-dribbling and to foster greater efficiency offensively in the half court. As always, we close the episode with the Show-Out Shout-Out Segment and a big thanks to our sponsors who keep the game going.The State of Hoops Podcast Season 1 Sponsors include the ⁠South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame⁠, ⁠Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate,⁠ ⁠Park Bench Apparel,⁠ ⁠Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman and Zach Hanson Financial Consultants),⁠ and ⁠Insight.⁠ Basketball fans in the state are encouraged to interact with the podcast hosts via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and follow, like, subscribe, and engage with the State of Hoops Podcast on the following social media platforms: *YouTube Channel:@StateofHoopsPodcast *Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast *X: @StateofHoopsPod

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 Ron Flynn's influence on her work ethic, her rise to become a record-setting basketball player in the state, and the legacy of the Wakonda girls basketball program, which achieved an impressive 101-game winning streak. Through it all, Becky reflects on the importance of teamwork, the impact of losses, and her hopes for her and her father's legacies in the world of basketball.

Whether you're a basketball enthusiast or simply love a good story of dedication and triumph, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the spirit of the game and the power of community.

The State of Hoops Podcast – Season 1 Sponsors include the following companies and organizations: South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame • Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate • Park Bench Apparel • Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman & Zach Hanson, Financial Consultants) • and Insight. Basketball fans across South Dakota are encouraged to reach out and engage with the podcast via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and on the following social media platforms:*YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast *Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast *X: @StateofHoopsPod

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 matchups on the court, this episode offers an in-depth preview of one of the nation's premier basketball tournaments. Tune in to discover the stories and insights that make the Lakota Nation Invitational a must-see event.The State of Hoops Podcast – Season 1 Sponsors include the following companies and organizations: South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame • Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate • Park Bench Apparel • Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman & Zach Hanson, Financial Consultants) • and Insight. Basketball fans across South Dakota are encouraged to reach out and engage with the podcast via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and on the following social media platforms:*YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast *Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast *X: @StateofHoopsPod

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 surrounding the upcoming season and the potential of various teams and players in each class.

The State of Hoops Podcast – Season 1 Sponsors include the following companies and organizations: South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame • Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate • Park Bench Apparel • Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman & Zach Hanson, Financial Consultants) • and Insight.

Basketball fans across South Dakota are encouraged to reach out and engage with the podcast via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and on the following social media platforms:

*YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast

*Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast

*X: @StateofHoopsPod

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 competitive landscape of Class B, A, and AA girls basketball in the Rushmore State. The podcast discussion also highlights the excitement surrounding the season and the talent emerging from South Dakota's girls basketball programs. The State of Hoops Podcast – Season 1 Sponsors include the following companies and organizations: South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame • Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate • Park Bench Apparel • Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman & Zach Hanson, Financial Consultants) • and Insight. Basketball fans across South Dakota are encouraged to reach out and engage with the podcast via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and on the following social media platforms:*YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast *Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast *X: @StateofHoopsPod