State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast

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 [email protected] and on the following social media platforms:

*YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast

*Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast

*X: @StateofHoopsPod

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] 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

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, spotlighting teams to watch, and making bold East River vs. West River predictions.

The episode also highlights Rapid City as the epicenter of state tournament action, with the Monument Complex is slated to host multiple state basketball tourneys in the coming weeks, and what it means for the Black Hills and the future of high school basketball.

The episode wraps with our “Give & Go” segment on Rapid City’s proposed youth sports mega complex, 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 [email protected] 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

"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's work was often described as "opinionated, fearless, thoughtful, loved, criticized.......yet always read"!

Discover how Stu’s fearless commentary and bold storytelling moved the needle and sparked conversations (and controversy) across communities across the state. If you love high school hoops and the stories behind the scoreboard, this episode is a must-listen; a tribute to the coaches, teams, and players that defined a golden era of South Dakota basketball.

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 [email protected] 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 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 about memorable high school pep bands, songs and gyms, share the South Dakota gym with the best popcorn, and reminisce about unforgettable state tournament games. The episode concludes with the popular "Show-Out Shout-Out" segment to honor key figures in the state's basketball community 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 [email protected] 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 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 Northern State basketball but also highlight the deep connections forged on and off the court.

The episode provides a great introspective for NSU basketball greats Warwick and Moore to reflect on their time playing for the Wolves, share memories from their playing days, provide heartfelt thoughts on the impact Coach Bob Olson has had on their careers, and applauds the prominent role the Aberdeen community plays in the program's success.

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 [email protected] and to follow, like, subscribe, and engage with the State of Hoops Podcast on social media:YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcastInstagram: @state_of_hoops_podcastX: @StateofHoopsPod

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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