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.
Anchored by 6-6 and 6-4 bookends Henry Larger and Kayden Schaffer, Ready dominated the offensive boards in an impressive win over Division III power Hamilton Township. The Silver Knights ran their record to 18-2. Columbus, OH – Tony Bisutti chuckled when asked if this Bishop Ready boys basketball team compares to the one that went
Freshman Danny Bentley scored a career-high 20 points off the bench and Noah Hess added 18 as state-ranked Jonathan Alder positioned itself to win a fifth consecutive Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Division title. London, OH – Ask anyone who participated, coached in or watched the captivating showdown between age-old rivals Jonathan Alder and London
Behind their tall and talented junior centers and stingy defensive efforts, Upper Arlington boys and girls recorded a decisive sweep of Hilliard Bradley in OCC Central Division play. Hilliard, OH – When asked how it felt to own a six-inch height advantage over players trying to guard him, 6-foot-9 Upper Arlington junior standout Alex Smith
On the heels of an unbeaten Division III state football championship, Watterson’s basketball team – despite a late start as a unit – may also have the tools for a deep tournament run. Columbus, OH – After capturing the Division III state championship with a perfect 16-0 record, seven members of Watterson’s football team took
Buoyed by a stingy defense allowing just 34 points per game, Upper Arlington ran its record to 10-1 and sent out a message that it is a legitimate contender for a deep tournament run in March. Upper Arlington, OH – Senior tri-captain Lucy Martin was dead serious when she estimated that the Upper Arlington girls