State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast

The calendar has turned to September, school is back in session, and South Dakota basketball is already starting to feel the anticipation of a new season. In Episode 29 of State of Hoops, Todd and Nate look ahead to Season 2 while celebrating how far the podcast has come since its launch.The guys officially announce the formation of State of Hoops Productions LLC, creating a foundation to grow the podcast and develop new basketball-related brands, projects and content. They also invite South Dakota businesses to join the State of Hoops family through Season 2 sponsorship opportunities.Plus, coaches around the state get a challenge: send us your SWAG! Todd and Nate want to represent schools on the State of Hoops set and launch a potential recurring “State of Hoops School SWAG” feature.The episode also looks beyond South Dakota with a discussion about South Dakota native Nate Tibbetts and his opportunity on the WNBA/FIBA stage, before the guys hit the Chalk Talk board to debate their favorite crunch-time offensive sets and late-game decisions.The Bleacher Preacher asks: Who is showing out in the fall? Todd and Nate want to hear about basketball players making an impact in football, volleyball, soccer, cross country and other fall activities.Finally, the guys close with a heartfelt Show-Out/Shout-Out in memory of former Vermillion coach Jay Hennies, honoring his impact on his players, his community and South Dakota basketball.Season 2 is coming—and State of Hoops is getting bigger.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*Facebook: State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast

In Episode 28, State of Hoops co-hosts Todd and Nate go behind the scenes with two of South Dakota’s top Class of 2026 basketball standouts, Ashlan Carlow and Sam DeGroot, as they prepare to make the jump from high school to college basketball.Carlow, a Maȟpíya Lúta standout headed to the University of South Dakota, and DeGroot, a Lincoln High School standout headed to Augustana, reflect on their high school careers and what it means to continue playing at the collegiate level right here in South Dakota.The conversation explores the work happening beyond the game—including summer training, strength and conditioning, skill development, nutrition, recovery, academics, time management, and mental preparation. They also discuss the challenges of entering a college program where everyone was a standout, earning minutes, adjusting to the increased speed and physicality, and preparing to embrace whatever role their teams need.The episode wraps up with a fun Give and Go rapid-fire segment before Ashlan and Sam reflect on what they’ll miss about high school basketball, the people and communities that shaped them, and what they hope to carry with them as they begin the next chapter of their basketball careers.Two accomplished South Dakota student-athletes. Two in-state college programs. One exciting next step.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*Facebook: State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast

In Episode 27, Todd and Nate welcome Mike Begeman, President of the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Directors, to celebrate the outstanding Class of 2026. Together, they honor the players, teams, and stories that have helped shape South Dakota basketball across generations while exploring the Hall of Fame's nomination and selection process and the importance of preserving the state's rich basketball history.The episode highlights every member of the 2026 class, from pioneers of the 1940s and 1950s to legendary stars of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, and recognizes the 1975 Freeman Flyers as this year's Team of Excellence. Along the way, Mike, Todd, and Nate share memorable stories, personal connections, and reflections on what makes each inductee's legacy so special.The episode concludes with details on the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, taking place Saturday, August 22, in Sioux Falls, along with information about the free public reception on Friday, August 21. Whether you're a lifelong South Dakota basketball fan or simply love great sports stories, this episode is a celebration of the people and moments that define the state's basketball tradition.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*Facebook: State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast

On Episode 26 of the State of Hoops Podcast, Todd and Nate recap the outstanding response to the Armour episode before diving into the busy summer AAU season. Schlek shares observations from AAU basketball trips his oldest son's team made to Nashville and Chicago this month, discussing the value of playing elite competition during NCAA Live Periods and the recruiting atmosphere at major summer events.The episode's "Give and Go" segment takes a fun turn as Schlek reviews The Godfather I and II movies, after finally watching them during his travels. The conversation expands into favorite basketball movies, including Hoosiers, Blue Chips, and Teen Wolf, while asking listeners who South Dakota's version of Jimmy Chitwood might be.The episode also features a South Dakota basketball trivia challenge, honors the memories of Dave Kemp and Gary Evjen in the Show Out/Shout Out segment, and closes with thanks to listeners and the show's sponsors.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

How does a town of less than a thousand people build one of the greatest basketball traditions in South Dakota history? In this special Traditions Series episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, Todd and Nate explore the remarkable legacy of Armour Packers basketball, a program built on family, coaching, accountability, and a community-wide expectation of excellence.Joined by legendary coach Burnell Glanzer, Dana (Nielsen) Honner, Pat Tiefenthaler, and Austin Ledeboer, they revisit the undefeated 1978 state champions, the unforgettable Armour vs Beresford 1979 state boys' championship game, the boys' state-record 64-game winning streak, the girls' five consecutive state titles, and the generations of families who helped define Armour basketball.More than a story about championships, this episode examines the culture that fueled decades of success and asks a timeless question: Could the "Packer Way" still work today?It's a celebration of one of South Dakota's greatest basketball dynasties, and the people who built it.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