Midco Sports Network Podcast

Before the NCHC season gets underway, Grand Forks Herald beat writer Brad Schlossman joins MidcoSN’s Alex Heinert to preview what to expect from University of North Dakota hockey in December’s Omaha Pod and beyond. The two discuss the path for UND to replicate the success they had last year (9:52), the unique Pod format and how teams will approach it (25:02) and the most likely challengers to earn Penrose Cup glory (29:33).

On the eve of his 15th year of college hockey coverage, Grand Forks Herald Beat Writer Brad Schlossman joins MidcoSN’s Alex Heinert to preview the upcoming season for University of North Dakota hockey. The two talk about the team’s impact newcomers (7:03), project how this year’s group will look compared to the Penrose Cup-winning team of 2019-20 (18:45), and look ahead to what the schedule and format for this NCHC season could look like (35:32).

MidcoSN’s Alex Heinert chats with three-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Cullen and three-time Olympic medalist Gigi Marvin ahead of the HyVee/Sanford Legends for Kids Banquet.

The music has stopped and “The Last Dance” has concluded. Over the past five weeks, we’ve been fortunate enough to learn about all the partners in the dance, from security guards to rivals of Michael Jordan himself. It wasn’t always a smooth trot, but it ended on a high note, even if the tango could’ve continued. On the final episode of the Jordan On Jordan podcast, Midco Sports Network’s David Brown and basketball analyst Jordan Dalton reflect on episodes nine and ten of the docuseries. They discuss the “food poisoning” game, how MJ always found fuel in the tank, and whether the Bulls would have realistically been able to compete for another championship in the 1998-99 season. Plus, what will the lasting impact of the documentary be?

“Winning has a price and leadership has a price.” – Michael Jordan. While it may be cliché to say there’s a "method behind the madness" or that Michael Jordan is just "built differently," episodes seven and eight of “The Last Dance” get to the heart of why MJ is the way he is. It was raw, real and emotional. It provided a benchmark moment for a series that’s already featured so many incredible stories! In episode five of the Jordan On Jordan podcast, Midco Sports Network’s David Brown and basketball analyst Jordan Dalton discuss Michael Jordan’s drive, why MJ’s brief foray into baseball has benefitted from hindsight and what they’re looking forward to as the series wraps up next week!

We are now past the halfway point of “The Last Dance,” ESPN’s 10-part documentary series on Michael Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls. Episodes five and six aired on Sunday night and, for the first time, showcased just how much of a fishbowl MJ operated in. With questions surrounding his gambling, his endorsements and his apolitical nature, along with the pressures of keeping the Bulls on top of the basketball world, you can start to see the fatigue that Michael Jordan was feeling. In episode four of the Jordan On Jordan podcast, Midco Sports Network’s David Brown and basketball analyst Jordan Dalton examine all the pressures that MJ dealt with from 1991-1993. They also discuss MJ’s role in society at the height of his powers and how that impacted his cultural standing.

It was appointment viewing yet again on Sunday night as episodes three and four of the 10-part docuseries “The Last Dance” were aired on ESPN. We’re not even halfway through the saga chronicling Michael Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls and there’s already more subplots, supporting characters and turmoil than any classic drama. These episodes focused mainly on the enigmatic Dennis Rodman as well as the man who kept it all together, head coach Phil Jackson. For as much as Michael Jordan is revered, the players and coaches around him all add up to the rich story of why this team was so successful. In episode three of the ‘Jordan On Jordan’ podcast, Midco Sports Network’s David Brown and basketball analyst Jordan Dalton dissect what aired on Sunday night, highlighting the nuances of Rodman and Jackson and how managing personalities was almost as important as the managing the team on the floor.

A documentary years in the making and a story decades in the making finally made its debut on Sunday, April 19! The first two episodes of “The Last Dance,” a 10-part series which chronicles Michael Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls, gave us a glimpse of just how emotional and intriguing this saga will be. In episode two of the “Jordan On Jordan” podcast, Midco Sports Network’s David Brown and basketball analyst Jordan Dalton recap the first two hours of “The Last Dance.” They discuss their favorite quotes, the MVP and LVP (least valuable player) of the series so far, and the most surprising things they learned. Plus, a discussion of how the documentary is portraying certain subjects and trying to strike a balanced tone.

In anticipation of the Chicago Bulls documentary "The Last Dance," David Brown and MidcoSN analyst Jordan Dalton preview the series.

The finish to the 2019-20 North Dakota high school sports winter season will always be remembered as the “what if” year. The Class A state basketball tournament was in the middle of its semifinal round when the news broke that the remainder of the winter sports tournaments would be suspended along with the spring sports season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The news was a crushing blow to coaches, players, families, communities and more. In this MidcoSN podcast, I speak with Jamestown boys head coach Jacoby Lloyd, Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier boys head coach Kevin Strobel and Shanley senior guard Hadley Huber. They share their own experiences of hearing the news of the suspension and dealing with the heartbreak of having their season ended prematurely. Episode Highlights: 2:00 - Jamestown boys basketball head coach Jacoby Lloyd shares his experience of finding out that the state tournament had been suspended. He also reveals some of the creative suggestions that were thrown out for trying to finish the tournament. 12:30 - Edgely-Kulm-Montpelier boys basketball head coach Kevin Strobel explains the impact the suspension of the Class B state basketball tournament had on not only his team, but the communities. 18:55 - Shanley senior guard Hadley Huber talks about the emotional rollercoaster her team experienced. Hours after their semifinal win to advance to the state championship game the Deacons learned the tournament was being suspended.

On this Midco SN Kansas video podcast, Bishop Seabury basketball coach Jonathan Raney and Midco Sports Network reporter Taryn Tempel talk about the Seahawk's record breaking season and its sudden ending.

In the first-ever Midco Sports Network Kansas podcast, Kevin Romary and Taryn Tempel discuss the sudden end to the high school sports seasons in Kansas due to the coronavirus, award-winning area coaches and players, and a local standout who has picked the University of Kansas. Highlights: 1:45 Covid cancels sports 2:30 Seabury boys basketball finds out about cancellations 4:15 Seabury recap plus coach and player of the year in 2A 5:30 Piper boys basketball recap plus coach and player of the year in 4A 7:00 Piper girls basketball recap 8:40 Basehor-Linwood boys basketball advances thanks to dynamic duo in 5A 10:26 No threepeat for the Free State High softball team 11:20 Devin Neal commits to Kansas

The World of Outlaws season was just getting set to kick into high gear before a red flag caused by the COVID-19 outbreak brought the halt to the season. Many drivers on the tour, including 10-time series champion, Donny Schatz, is waiting it out like everybody else back at home. Brian Shawn caught up with the Fargo native to talk about it, his interaction on social media, his acting debut and a number of other topics in this MidcoSN podcast.

The University of Sioux Falls women’s basketball team had their run in the NSIC Tournament end in the semifinals against St. Cloud State. But now, with the Central Region Tournament coming up on Friday, March 13, the Cougars and Huskies will face off in a rematch. This time, it’s win or go home! In the latest episode of the "Trap D" podcast, Midco Sports Network’s David Brown and USF head coach Travis Traphagen discuss the team’s run in the NSIC Tournament, the message after they lost in the semifinal round and how his team is preparing to face St. Cloud State once again. They also discuss the state of women’s basketball in South Dakota and how the game has grown so much over the past decade! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 0:28 – David and Coach Trap go over USF’s quarterfinal NSIC Tournament victory vs. Winona State and why defense was the main catalyst in their win. 6:20 – A discussion on the NSIC Tournament semifinal matchup with St. Cloud State and why the Cougars lost a double-digit lead in the 2nd quarter and didn’t play up to their potential in the 4th quarter. 10:17 – Coach Trap explains his approach to the team after the loss to St. Cloud State and why he decided to give them a couple of days off in the immediate aftermath. 12:57 – David and Coach Trap discuss playing the Huskies once again in the upcoming Central Region Tournament on Friday, March 13 in Warrensburg, Missouri. Sioux Falls maintained the 3rd seed in the region after the NSIC Tournament, while St. Cloud State moved back up to number 6, setting up this first round regional matchup. 16:36 – Trap explains how the South Dakota State-South Dakota women’s game for the Summit League Tournament championship and his own team’s success has helped fuel the rise of girls and women’s basketball in this region!

David Brown and Head Coach Travis Traphagen discuss the University of Sioux Falls women's 24-5 regular season and look ahead to the NSIC Tournament.

David Brown and University of Sioux Falls Head Coach Chris Johnson discuss clinching the NSIC South Division and look ahead to the NSIC Tournament.

David Brown and Travis Traphagen discuss USF clinching the South Division under interesting circumstances and getting ready for the home stretch!

David Brown and USF head coach Chris Johnson discuss energy, effort and finishing the regular season strong!

MidcoSN’s Elaina Lanson sits down with former South Dakota State Jackrabbit men's basketball standout Skyler Flatten to talk about signing with the Miami Heat, his time with the Skyforce, and his opinion on the hot topics surrounding the NBA. Plus, he even shares his vocals with us!

A couple of months after helping the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers claim their first Grey Cup title in 29 years, former University of South Dakota quarterback Chris Streveler is headed to the NFL. MidcoSN’s Jay Elsen has more on Steveler’s deal with the Arizona Cardinals in this special edition of the MidcoSN Podcast.

As we enter the home stretch of the season, David Brown and Coach Trap discuss where the University of Sioux Falls is at and where they need to go.

David Brown and University of Sioux Falls Men's Basketball Coach Chris Johnson discuss a 2-0 road trip and why maturity has been at the forefront of USF’s successful season.

The University of Sioux Falls women’s basketball team saw its nine-game winning streak come to an end this past weekend following a close loss to Winona State. On the latest episode of the ‘Trap D’ podcast, Midco Sports Network’s David Brown and USF head coach Travis Traphagen discuss both the Winona State loss as well as the ‘business-like’ win on Friday vs. Upper Iowa. Coach Trap goes more in-depth on the loss to the Warriors, explaining how all three of USF’s losses this season have followed a familiar pattern and how he’s trying to figure out what to do if his team is in that situation again. They also discuss this weekend’s upcoming road trip, which includes a battle with Trap’s former assistant Chelsea DeVille, the head coach at Bemidji State. Episode Highlights: 0:15 – David and Coach Trap share their thoughts on the tragic passing of basketball icon Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. 3:11 – Coach Trap discusses some missed opportunities in the loss vs. Winona State last Saturday. 6:00 – The guys circle back around to USF’s win over Upper Iowa on Friday and why Coach Trap said he was more upset at halftime of this game than any other this season. 10:15 – David and Coach Trap go more in-depth on USF’s loss to Winona State, including a discussion on the disparity between both sides in terms of offensive rebounds and second chance opportunities. 18:03 – A preview of USF’s upcoming road trip to take on Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston and what it means to take on his former assistant in BSU head coach Chelsea DeVille. 21:40 – David gives Coach Trap an opportunity to provide ‘bulletin-board’ material to his former assistant! 23:55 – Coach Trap’s official Super Bowl pick!

MidcoSN's David Brown and head coach Chris Johnson discuss a split home stand and how playing in close games will help the University of Sioux Falls men's team down the stretch. Also included: thoughts on Kobe Bryant, and Super Bowl picks. Episode highlights: 0:10 – David and Coach Johnson open the podcast with their thoughts on the tragic passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. 2:48 – CJ discusses Friday night’s loss to Upper Iowa and why execution, not effort, was to blame. 6:03 – Coach Johnson explains how playing in so many close games has impacted his team. 7:04 – CJ explains in detail why he got a controversial technical foul in the final minute of the game vs. Upper Iowa. 8:57 – A discussion of USF’s game vs. Winona State and the electrifying performance of Warriors guard Caleb Wagner, who had a career-high 47 points. 12:08 – Coach Johnson explains putting Troy Houghton into the starting lineup vs. Winona State and how he made a difference defensively. 15:03 – A breakdown of the final two minutes of regulation vs. Winona State, including a big three-pointer from Devin Green, a great defensive stop by Troy Houghton and a clutch play by Jack Thompson and Trevon Adams. 21:33 – David and CJ preview USF’s upcoming road trip at Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston, including an opportunity to ‘avenge’ an earlier loss this season to the Golden Eagles. 24:15 – Going back to an earlier point, Coach Johnson explains how despite the stress level, playing in close games now will help his team down the stretch. 25:25 – David and CJ make their Super Bowl predictions.

David Brown and Coach Trap discuss USF’s eight-game winning streak and how he keeps his team motivated!

David Brown and Chris Johnson discuss a 1-1 road trip and how USF will bounce back after losing to Minot State.

The University of Sioux Falls women’s basketball team continues to put on a show! The Cougars lead the NSIC with a 15-2 overall record and are ranked in the national coach’s poll top 15 for the 2nd straight week. On the latest "Trap D" podcast, Midco Sports Network’s David Brown and USF women’s head coach Travis Traphagen discuss the two wins this past weekend over Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul, how different players accept their roles and do them to the best of their abilities, and how he plans to pass the time on the bus ride up to North Dakota this weekend. They also break down the upcoming matchups vs. UMary and Minot State.

It’s been a fantastic 2020 already for the University of Sioux Falls men’s basketball team. USF is 13-3 overall, 9-1 in conference play and they’ve won six games in a row! In the latest "Cougar Chronicle" podcast, Midco Sports Network’s David Brown and USF head coach Chris Johnson discuss the two wins this past weekend over Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul, why the equal opportunity offense is working so effectively, and how their defense has been able to shut opponents down. They also discuss this week’s upcoming road trip to face UMary and Minot State.

The 2019 football season was one of Augustana’s most successful campaigns in school history. The Vikings finished 9-3 and returned to the Division II playoffs for the first time in four years. Despite a 1st round loss, head coach Jerry Olszewski is excited about the program’s growth into the future. On this edition of the Midco Sports Network podcast, David Brown and Coach OJ discuss the 2019 season, how he knew right away that CJ Ham would be a difference maker in the NFL, and some players he’s excited about for 2020. They also discuss the recent budget cuts that forced the elimination of the St. Cloud State and Minnesota Crookston programs and how he’s organizing his own program in between seasons.

Covering college basketball like only a conservative former coach, an aging current broadcaster and an opinionated former player can. The StemeNiemaDosch Hoops podcast brings you smart talk, reasonable debate and national and local guests from the Summit League to the Power Five.

The gap between mid-major and high-major women’s basketball teams is closing. Meanwhile, the women’s game across all levels continues to elevate. In this MidcoSN podcast, Kelly Stewart is joined by Graham Hays of espnW.com to discuss the recent rise of mid-major hoops, especially in the Midwest.

David Brown and Coach Trap discuss the University of Sioux Falls' two wins to start 2020 and how they stay focused during the season.

University of North Dakota Athletics Director Bill Chaves and MidcoSN’s Alex Heinert look back at a perfect week on the court and the ice for UND Athletics before discussing the (potential) comings and goings of Summit League members. Then, the B-Side returns with an impartial look at the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend, the Festive Period in the EPL, and a preview of the impending Chaves-Heinert Derby.

David Brown and Chris Johnson discuss the University of Sioux Falls’ two big road wins and an odd, but funny quirk to the season.

David Brown and Coach Trap discuss USF’s end to 2019, why Home Alone is a Traphagen favorite and much more!

David Brown and Chris Johnson discuss USF’s mentality getting back to work and have a fun debate over holiday movies!

“Enthusiasm spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.” ― Norman Vincent Peale South Dakota State first-year head coach Eric Henderson has infected his team with a can-do spirit. He chats with Midco Sports Network’s Tom Nieman as the young Jacks work to move from decent to dangerous.

David Brown and Chris Johnson discuss USF’s weekend split and why The Office provided some temporary relief last Friday!

David Brown and Coach Trap discuss USF’s first two losses of the season, why there’s no panic – and how they each holiday shop!

SND are joined this week by Brad Newitt, physics instructor by day at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls and basketball analyst by night for Midco Sports Network. Brad and Greg and Zach talk a little football this week following the announcements that St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota-Crookston will be dropping the sport of football. The guys discuss the economics of the game at the Division Two level and whether or not this is a sign of things to come. The pre-Summit League seasons are almost at an end for the Coyotes and the Jackrabbits and the Bison and the Fighting Hawks so how is it shaking out as we hit mid-December? The University of South Dakota women seem to be the real deal as they have worked their way into the national Top 25. The Coyote men sit atop the Summit standings at the moment but Brad and Greg and Zach all agree that there is not a clear cut favorite this year… and that might be a good thing for fans.

Hailie Warren’s career path has come full circle, but the stepping stones along the way took her on quite the “scenic route.” She talks career, coaching, and kids with Kelly Stewart.

David Brown and Chris Johnson discuss USF’s fantastic road trip and how the look of this year’s team is starting to take shape!

David Brown and Coach Trap discuss USF’s weekend sweep on the road and how the Cougars overcame poor shooting to win!

The ebbs and flows of a season were on full display for the University of Sioux Falls men’s basketball team last week. The Cougars fell behind early vs. Minnesota Crookston in a 25-point loss, but bounced back with a resounding win over Southwest Minnesota State. On episode five of Cougar Chronicle With Chris Johnson, David Brown sits down with CJ to discuss the range of emotions last week, including the win vs. SMSU, which happened to be his 200th career victory at USF – and also occurred on his birthday! They also look ahead to the first full weekend of conference play: Friday, December 6 at Concordia-St. Paul and Saturday, December 7 at Minnesota State.

Chris Streveler and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are Canadian Football League champions. The former South Dakota quarterback joins MidcoSN’s Jay Elsen to talk about his role in ending the CFL’s longest title drought, his affection for the city of Winnipeg and even shares the story behind his legendary parade apparel.

It’s fair to say the weather in Sioux Falls differs quite a bit from Honolulu. But the USF women’s basketball team is still shining after three wins in the Aloha State! On episode five of ‘Trap D With Travis Traphagen,’ Midco Sports Network’s David Brown sits down with Coach Trap to discuss the trip to Hawaii, the three different games they played, touring the island of Oahu, remaining undefeated, and how the team is adjusting back into a normal routine. Sioux Falls starts full conference play this weekend with a road trip at Concordia-St. Paul on Friday, December 6 and at Minnesota State in Mankato on Saturday, December 7.

It’s fair to say the weather in Sioux Falls differs quite a bit from Honolulu. But the USF women’s basketball team is still shining after three wins in the Aloha State. On episode five of Trap D With Travis Traphagen, David Brown sits down with Coach Trap to discuss the trip to Hawaii, the three different games they played, touring the island of Oahu, remaining undefeated, and how the team is adjusting back into a normal routine. Sioux Falls starts full conference play this weekend with a road trip at Concordia-St. Paul on Friday, December 6 and at Minnesota State in Mankato on Saturday, December 7.

On this MidcoSN podcast, Elaina Lanson talked with Augustana women basketball’s Hana Metoxen on her engagement, process of getting married in-season, and how she’s able to share these special memories with her teammates.

The StemeNiemaDosch Hoops Podcast is joined this week by Tim Miles, former head coach at Nebraska and current TV analyst for Big Ten Network and Fox Sports. Greg Stemen and Zach Dosch talk with Miles about the recent death of Tim’s mother, how color analyst icon Bill Raftery played a part in landing Miles his new TV role and if and when Miles will get back in to college coaching. We also touch on Coach Phillips and his 4-2 start at Northern State, Coach Smith and his 7-0 start at Utah State, former SDSU coach T.J. Otzelberger and his 2-5 start at UNLV and the pre-season so far for The Summit League men.

Check out the season wrap-up of the 2019 South Dakota High School Volleyball Season. Plus, Jason Andera names the top players in each class and the top two contenders for player of the year in this podcast.

David Brown and Coach Trap discuss USF’s undefeated 4-0 start and the team’s trip to Hawaii for the next three games!