A seven-time Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association writer of the year, Blackledge spent the final 34 years of a four-decade career as the chief prep beat writer for the Columbus Dispatch. A Delaware, Ohio native, Blackledge graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1982 with degrees in journalism and communications. He served as sports editor of the Wilmington News-Journal for three-plus years. He also worked at the Lake County Telegraph and the Delaware Gazette. In addition to the prep beat, Blackledge has covered the Browns, Indians, Reds, Bengals, Columbus Crew and various Ohio State sports.
Hartley’s Jaden Calloway (1) attempts a shot over DeSales’ C.J. Carter (5) during the battle for the Central Catholic League Title on February 23, 2024. (Press Pros Feature Photos by Brian Bayless) Pharez Nicholas sank 6-for-6 foul shots in overtime and 13-for-13 on the night as Hartley rallied from a late deficit to overtake DeSales
Diminutive Ulysses Ponder scored 27 points and keyed a 15-0 third-quarter run that helped Olentangy overtake Marysville and a force a share of the OCC Cardinal title with the Monarchs. Marysville, OH – All week long, Olentangy boys basketball coach John Feasel wore a t-shirt to practice celebrating his success as Braves girls coach to
Dallas Tucker scored 21 points and Josh Henderson 20 as Westerville Central parlayed a 14-0 run over a 4:30 span of the fourth quarter to put away Westerville South. In the girls game, South won 51-42 in a tune-up for the district tournament, which begins next week. Westerville, OH – Coach Kevin Martin gave his
Devin Brown racked up 20 points, eight rebounds, four blocked shots and three assists while dominating down the stretch as Olentangy Orange beat Hilliard Bradley 51-47 in a long-awaited rematch. Hilliard, OH – It sure helps to have a blossoming 6-foot-5 junior superstar who can handle the ball confidently, knock down 20-foot shots with uncanny
In a nonleague showdown between the No. 3 and 4 seeds in the upcoming Division I Central District girls tournament, Marysville stymied Olentangy Liberty and used three key mini-runs to prevail. Liberty won the boys game in a rout, however. Powell, OH – It took four minutes and 10 seconds for the Marysville girls basketball