State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast

Episode 24 - "Father's Day Edition: A Tribute to our Fathers' Basketball Legacies"

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 1961 to his All-State honors and collegiate career at St. Olaf College, Tom's basketball story reflects the lasting impact one generation can have on the next. Nate also shares personal reflections on the lessons, values, and love for the game passed down through his father. South Dakota Basketball Hall of Famer Jim Schlekeway, Todd's father, then joins the episode as a special guest. Jim shares stories from his upbringing in Lake City, SD, his legendary playing career at Britton High School, and his remarkable journey to becoming one of the state's most respected players and coaches. Viewers and Listeners will hear about Jim's 1,900-point high school career, Britton's memorable 1962 State B Tournament run, his standout career at Northern State University where he scored more than 1,800 points, and his experiences touring Europe after college alongside future Olympic players. Jim also reflects on a coaching career that spanned more than four decades, including stops at O'Gorman, Bloomington (Minnesota), Todd County, and a 30 + year run at Mobridge that produced over 500 victories. Along the way, he shares lessons on leadership, the evolution of the game, and what South Dakota basketball has meant throughout his life. The episode closes with Nate and Todd encouraging viewers and listeners to celebrate the basketball dads, grandfathers, coaches, and mentors who helped shape their own journeys. 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

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

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

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

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