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On this episode of Splash City, host Steve Hartman is joined by Jacob Torgerson, head coach of the #1 ranked in Class 2A Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Tigers.

The Tigers finished the regular season undefeated, but the target is on their back. After a 21-7 campaign in 2024-2025 ended in a tough Section 3AA exit last year to rival Montevideo, Torgerson has this year's group playing with a distinct edge. We dive into the identity of this roster: a balanced, long, and athletic rotation that has become one of the most feared units in Class AA.

We also discuss what it’s like taking over for his dad. Jake's father, Mark Torgerson, retired with 593 wins and a spot in the MBCA Hall of Fame, but he hasn’t left the gym just yet. Torgerson talks about their unique dynamic on the bench, growing up as a "coach’s kid" in Morris, and how he’s managed the massive expectations that come with a #1 ranking.

After a 1st round win against ACGC, we get a look into the mindset of a team that has met challenges near and far.

Topics covered:

• The Transition: Stepping into the shoes of a Hall of Fame father.
• The Redemption Arc: How last year’s Section loss fueled this year’s fire.
• The Roster: Why this specific group of Tigers is so difficult to match up with.
• The Target: Staying grounded while sitting at #1 in the state.

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In this college basketball centric episode host Steve Hartman ranks his weekly top 10 college basketball teams (1:30) after a wild weekend in men's college basketball.

Then he dives into the bubble (13:17). Who should be in? Why are the metrics and the criteria slanted in favor of high-major programs? Steve wants to see more Cinderella slippers and upsets in March!

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March is officially in the air! In this episode of the Splash City Basketball Podcast we’re going behind the scenes of a championship household. I’m joined by my niece, Lily Mahoney—a Senior leader and defending State Champ—and her mom, my sister, to discuss the bittersweet emotions of a final high school run, the 'Sisters Season' on Varsity, and the legacy being left behind.

But first, we tackle a mixed bag weekend for the Golden Gopher men's and women's basketball teams. The Timberwolves' rollercoaster weekend against Dallas and Philly, Steve breaks down the highs and lows. Then, we go coast-to-coast in our College Basketball Whiparound, covering Duke’s takedown of No. 1 Michigan, Arizona’s road masterclass, and the devastating injury news shaking up the Big 12. Plus, I reveal my Top 16 Prep for March Madness.

Finally I break down the MN boys and girls, NSIC and MIAC Teams of the Week.

Pull up a chair—it’s time to talk hoops.

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In this episode, host Steve Hartman walks through some of his mid-major teams that you'll want to know as you prepare for March Madness and preparing your bracket. From coast-to-coast Steve walks through what makes these teams dangers and potential upset picks.

Then it's the weekly teams of the week for Minnesota boys basketball and small colleges. St. Paul Central in AAAA, Northfield in AAA, Minnehaha Academy in AA, Dawson-Boyd in A, plus St. Cloud St. captures the NSIC regular season crown and St. John's makes their 14th straight MIAC tourney.

Steve starts the show talking about Anthony Edwards winning the NBA All-Star Game MVP and the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Women's basketball team winning 8 straight and solidifying their NCAA tourney resume.

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In this episode, host Steve Hartman tackles issues plaguing both NCAA basketball and the NBA and what he thinks could fix them both.

Steve discusses the current state of college basketball, highlighting the exciting mix of experienced players who can now stay longer due to NIL opportunities and high-performing freshmen. He also identifies key concerns such as decreased fan loyalty due to frequent player transfers and the adverse impact of the transfer portal on high school recruits and mid-major programs. Hartman suggests implementing a compensation model for mid-majors losing players to high majors and exploring relegation and tiered systems in the NBA to reduce load management issues and make games more meaningful. The proposal includes reducing NBA games, creating a three-tier system in professional basketball, and implementing a three-year contractual commitment for college players.

Then Steve breaks down his weekly Top 10 men's college basketball power rankings. Seven of the last week's top 10 lost so there's a lot to discuss and a big shake-up in the top 10. There's a new #1 and teams that fell off. Rivalries, huge home-court advantages were at play this week.

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Big game Sunday: Wolves Watch, NBA Trades, and Gopher Hoops

In this special Big Game Sunday episode, Steve is joined by Tyler and Tate as they watch the Minnesota Timberwolves and discuss various topics in sports. The conversation covers the Ayo Dosunmu and LA Clippers trades, the Minnesota Gophers' basketball upset over Michigan State, and predictions for the upcoming games. The trio also revisits their NBA predictions, evaluates team performances, and debates potential changes for the Minnesota Timberwolves. They share their thoughts on key players, team dynamics, and coaching strategies. The episode wraps up with Super Bowl predictions, favorite game-day foods, and reflections on past NFL games.

00:00 Introduction and Super Bowl Sunday Setup

00:41 NBA Trade Reactions and Predictions

02:29 Minnesota Sports Frustrations

03:19 Coaching and Team Dynamics

15:51 Gophers Basketball Analysis

23:38 Duke vs. Carolina and College Basketball Insights

25:40 Clemson and Arizona's Basketball Performance

26:19 Purdue's Disappointing Season

26:42 St. Louis Billikens: A sleeper no more?

27:33 High School Basketball Highlights

30:04 Gophers' Struggles and Strategies

34:27 Wolves analysis

43:21 Super Bowl Predictions and Food Talk

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This week on the Splash City Basketball Podcast, host Steve Hartman is joined by Andrew Dukowitz (Zone Coverage, The Missing Wolves podcast) to break down a pivotal stretch in Minnesota hoops.

The Timberwolves have reeled off four straight wins, but as the trade deadline looms, the rumors are getting wild. We dive into the "Giannis to Minnesota" hypothetical: what would the Wolves actually have to sacrifice to land the Greek Freak, and would it ruin the chemistry they’ve built? Who else could the Timberwolves consider to bolster the roster without mortgaging the future?

Plus, Andrew switches gears to the hardwood at Williams Arena. With the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Women’s team sitting at a shocking #13 in the NET rankings, we look at their NCAA Tournament resume. Are they a lock for an at-large bid, or is the bubble still a threat?

Episode Timestamps

[00:00] – Intro: Welcome to the Splash City Basketball Podcast

[01:10] – Thrilling weekend in MN high school boys games

[02:10] College basketball whip around: Recapping the weekend for the Gopher men, BYU and Kansas was a showdown of the potential top 2 NBA draft picks and the top heavy Big Ten beats up on each other.

[04:50] – The Timberwolves annual January snooze. After some mid-January struggles, the Wolves have won 4 straight.

[13:33] – Return to Form?: Wolves defense overwhelms OKC

[16:23] – Wolves Trade Talk: How essential is Jaden McDaniels in trade talks

[23:50] – Should the Wolves stand pat?: Steve and Andrew debate a potential move, short and long-term, of adding Giannis

[42:13] – Gopher Women are #13 in the NET: Andrew breaks down Minnesota's elite defense and their NCAA tournament chances.

[54:17] Episode Wrap

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Host Steve Hartman opens this episode talking about the rough couple of weeks for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Then Steve talks with Travarus Bennett, former Golden Gopher and 2002 Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year, about his path from high school basketball in Mississippi to Minnesota to playing professionally overseas. Bennett talks about what made him into a great defensive player, tips for youth players, and how he translates his defensive toughness into the Totino-Grace Eagles girls basketball team as they get healthy and gel at the right time of year.

Finally, Steve breaks down his Minnesota boys high school, NSIC, & MIAC teams of the week.

It's a full episode with lots of fun, laughs and hopefully some tips on great defense!

Listen on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

Follow Splash City Basketball Podcast on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.