State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast

Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Weekly

Join State of Hoops Co-Hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow as they devote coverage to all things South Dakota basketball....past, present and future. Todd Schlekeway, a Mobridge native, was the 1996 South Dakota Co-Mr. Basketball and played basketball collegiately for 5 years at NSU and USF respectively. Schlekeway is a coaches son and former gym rat! Nate Malchow, an Aberdeen native, played basketball collegiately for 4 years at St. Olaf and Concordia respectively. Malchow won 3 State Girls AA Basketball Championships as the Head Girls Basketball Coach at SF Washington High School.

  1. Jun 3

    Episode 23 - "The Legacy of the Dakota Schoolers and the State of AAU Basketball in SoDak Today"

    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 to competing on the national stage, Paul shares the challenges, sacrifices, and vision that helped transform opportunities for generations of South Dakota athletes. The conversation explores the rise of AAU basketball in the state, the relationships that opened doors with college recruiters, memorable stories from the Schoolers' early years, and the players who helped put South Dakota basketball on the map, including the emergence of future NBA star Mike Miller. But this episode isn't just about the past. Paul also offers a candid assessment of today's club basketball landscape, discussing what has changed, what has been lost, what still works, and what young players, parents, and coaches should focus on moving forward.Whether you're a longtime South Dakota hoops fan, a former AAU player, or someone interested in the evolution of youth basketball, this is a conversation that connects the game's past, present, and future. 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

    1h 10m

  2. May 20

    Episode 22 - "A Conversation with South Dakota's 2026 Mr. & Miss Basketball"

    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 Mr. & Miss Basketball awards, the role Ashlyn and Blake's families and hometown communities played in their development, and the behind-the-scenes work that fueled their success. During the conversation, Ashlyn and Blake also share favorite state tournament memories, leadership lessons, recruiting experiences, rapid-fire “Give and Go” answers, and advice for the next generation of South Dakota hoopers. It’s a celebration of two historic careers and a powerful reminder of what makes South Dakota basketball special. 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

    42 min

  3. May 20

    Episode 22 - "A Conversation with South Dakota's 2026 Mr. & Miss Basketball"

    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 Mr. & Miss Basketball awards, the role Ashlyn and Blake's families and hometown communities played in their development, and the behind-the-scenes work that fueled their success. During the conversation, Ashlyn and Blake also share favorite state tournament memories, leadership lessons, recruiting experiences, rapid-fire “Give and Go” answers, and advice for the next generation of South Dakota hoopers. It’s a celebration of two historic careers and a powerful reminder of what makes South Dakota basketball special. 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

    42 min

  4. May 6

    Episode 21 - "The Rise of Skills Trainers in South Dakota with MJ Hrabik"

    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 reshaping the way South Dakota athletes improve and compete. MJ shares his basketball journey, from his early love of the game to his playing career and transition into coaching and entrepreneurship, along with the inspiration behind launching Metaballic Hoops Academy based in the Britton, SD area. He dives into his training philosophy, detailing how a blend of in-person instruction and digital tools, including a custom app, allows him to reach and develop athletes in both local and regional settings. Closing out the episode, the discussion broadens to the rise of skills trainers across South Dakota, why it’s happening, what it means for players and programs, and how families can navigate this new landscape. 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

    51 min

  5. Apr 22

    Episode 20 - "Josh Mueller: Coaches Son, Swagger, and a State Tournament for the Ages"

    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 greatest state tournament performances in South Dakota history, Mueller shares stories that shaped his legacy. The episode also dives into his standout career at University of South Dakota, his professional journey, and his continued impact on the next generation of players across the state. 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

    1h 21m

  6. Apr 1

    Episode 19 - "Roundball Review: SD State Boys Basketball Tournaments Recap"

    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 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

    36 min

  7. Mar 17

    Episode 18 - "The Roundtable: SD State Boys Basketball Tournaments Preview Show"

    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 biggest weeks on the state’s basketball calendar. The conversation then sets the stage for tournament week, with Class AA and Class A tipping off in Rapid City at the Monument (Ice Arena and Summit Arena respectively), while Class B heads to Aberdeen at the Barnett Center. The group talks about the buzz created by AA and A sharing the same complex, the excitement across the state, and encourages fans traveling west or north to queue up the episode on the drive. From there, the roundtable dives into an in-depth previews of the Class AA, Class A, and Class B State Tournament fields; discussing key storylines, tournament trends, and first-round matchups. The panel breaks down team strengths and weaknesses, potential bracket paths, dark horse contenders, and standout players to watch, along with a few bold predictions. 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

    1h 16m

  8. Mar 11

    Episode 17 - "Summit League Tourney Recap/SD High School Girls State Tourney Talk"

    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 for who will win the Class AA, Class A, and Class B Girls State Championships. Listeners can engage with the show on X (Twitter), Instagram, or by sending an email to stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com. The episode wraps up with the always popular “Show Out/Shout Out segment”, and a hat tip to our 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

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Join State of Hoops Co-Hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow as they devote coverage to all things South Dakota basketball....past, present and future. Todd Schlekeway, a Mobridge native, was the 1996 South Dakota Co-Mr. Basketball and played basketball collegiately for 5 years at NSU and USF respectively. Schlekeway is a coaches son and former gym rat! Nate Malchow, an Aberdeen native, played basketball collegiately for 4 years at St. Olaf and Concordia respectively. Malchow won 3 State Girls AA Basketball Championships as the Head Girls Basketball Coach at SF Washington High School.

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