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. The guys share their personal ties and stories to the two prominent coaches, and what this matchup means for the state's basketball legacy.

We also hit the “Give and Go” segment, where we tackle the growing conversation around how club volleyball is impacting girls’ basketball participation across South Dakota. Chow brings a unique, personal perspective you won’t want to miss.

The episode also includes breaking news on a reveal of one of South Dakota's most iconic basketball players/athletes announced as the first guest on an upcoming State of Hoops Podcast Legends Series episode (hint: this player could fly).

As always, we close with the Bleacher Preacher fan engagement question, Show-Out Shout-Outs, and 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 the debut episode of the State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast, co-hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow share their passion for South Dakota basketball, reflecting on their personal experiences and the impact the sport has had on their friendship. They discuss their early memories of attending the Northern State University Future Stars Basketball Camps, their time as teammates playing AAU Basketball for Team South Dakota, the state's prominent position nationally when it comes to hoops, and the significance of South Dakota coaches and educators in shaping young athletes.

The episode also introduces South Dakota's passionate hoops community to various podcast segments, such as "Chalk Talk", "Give and Go", "Show-Out Shout-Out", and "Bleacher Preachers", that are aimed at engaging listeners and celebrating the rich history of basketball in South Dakota, while acknowledging the contributions of the players, coaches, administrators, officials, media personalities, and fans who make it special.

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 short pre-launch episode of the State of Hoops podcast, co-host Todd Schlekeway reveals the five sponsors for the inaugural season, highlighting their contributions to the South Dakota basketball community. The 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.

The episode emphasizes the importance of basketball fan engagement and invites listeners to subscribe and participate in season 1 of the State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast.

State of Hoops Podcast Co-Host Nate Malchow talks about the legacy of his coaching mentor, the legendary Fred Tibbetts, and the birth of the Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School Girls Basketball dynasty. State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast…:::launching October 1, 2025! Follow the State of Hoops on Instagram, X, and subscribe to the State of Hoops Podcast’s official YouTube Channel today!

State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast is the go-to podcast for basketball coaches, players, and fans in the 605. The mission statement of the State of Hoops Podcast is to devote coverage to all things South Dakota basketball: past, present, and future!

Hosted by Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow, the podcast dives into the rich tradition of basketball across the state—from small-town high school rivalries to standout college programs and legendary players and coaches.

Listeners can expect:

• In-depth interviews with current and former players, coaches, and influencers.

• Analysis of current South Dakota high school basketball and area college basketball players/teams/seasons

• Thoughtful commentary and historical context from two of South Dakota’s most passionate basketball voices.