In this episode of the State of Hoops podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow reflect on the New Year and discuss the various high school basketball classics that took place over the Christmas/Holiday season. With high school teams now having a month's worth of games under their belt, Episode 9 also unveils the "Chalk Talk" segment, where Todd and Nate discuss the importance of ball reversals to mitigate over-dribbling and to foster greater efficiency offensively in the half court. As always, we close the episode with the Show-Out Shout-Out Segment and a 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 this "Legend Series Episode" of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow welcome basketball icon Becky (Flynn) Jensen. They discuss her remarkable journey from growing up in a basketball family in small town Wakonda, South Dakota, to becoming one of the state's all-time great girls basketball players.

The conversation highlights Becky's father/coach Ron Flynn's influence on her work ethic, her rise to become a record-setting basketball player in the state, and the legacy of the Wakonda girls basketball program, which achieved an impressive 101-game winning streak. Through it all, Becky reflects on the importance of teamwork, the impact of losses, and her hopes for her and her father's legacies in the world of basketball.

Whether you're a basketball enthusiast or simply love a good story of dedication and triumph, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the spirit of the game and the power of community.

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

In this episode of the State of Hoops podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow dive into the rich tradition and excitement surrounding the 2025 Lakota Nation Invitational. Joined by special guest Dale Pine Jr., they explore the impact of Native American basketball in South Dakota, highlighting key players and teams to watch. From the cultural significance of the event to the thrilling matchups on the court, this episode offers an in-depth preview of one of the nation's premier basketball tournaments. Tune in to discover the stories and insights that make the Lakota Nation Invitational a must-see event.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