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.
Coming in averaging close to 76 points per game, Harvest Prep met its match in the form of a talented and ferocious Lutheran East defense. The Falcons repeated as state champion and won their third title in four years. Dayton, OH – Harvest Prep scored a smidge under 76 points per game during its run
The outcome was never in doubt. Richmond Heights used its ferocious full-court pressure to devour Berlin Hiland 62-35 in the small-school championship game. The Spartans scored 28 points off turnovers and 25 came on fast break baskets. Dayton, OH – Perhaps out of good sportsmanship, the Richmond Heights student section waited until 14 seconds remained
For the fourth straight year, Centerville finds itself in a position to take home a trophy. The Elks were state champions in 2021, runner-ups in 2022 and lost in a semifinal a year ago. Next up: A rematch against Cleveland St. Ignatius for all the marbles. Dayton, OH – Centerville coach Brook Cupps explained his
In its first state tournament appearance, Delaware Hayes had perennial power Cleveland St. Ignatius on the ropes, but was doomed by costly turnovers down the stretch and lost to the Wildcats 55-54. Dayton, OH – Fully aware of the herculean task ahead in facing a Cleveland St. Ignatius basketball team with five players ranging from
Jordyn Watson scored 26 points, Alex Bobb 22 and Gator Nichols 18 as Maysville broke through in the final two minutes to reach the state title game for the first time. The game featured 15 lead changes and 10 ties. Dayton, OH – Six-thousand, eight-hundred and seventy-four fans in full throat from the opening tip