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.
Shooting lights out all day long, Kettering Alter jumped to a 20-4 lead and trounced Youngstown Ursuline in state semifinal. R.J. Greer scored 24 points to pace the tradition-rich Knights, who are seeking their first state title since 2001. Dayton, OH – A glance at Kettering Alter’s season stats offers a glimpse of what makes
Ronald Taylor and Jesse McCulloch combined for 37 points and 18 rebounds, powering defending champion Lutheran East to an easy win over out-manned Preble Shawnee. The Falcons will shoot for their third state title in four years. Dayton, OH – Coach Sam Liggins reads the social media memes about how his Cleveland Heights Lutheran East
After repelling numerous comeback attempts by Ottawa-Glandorf, Harvest Prep hung on to beat O-G and reached its fourth state title game. Adonus Abrams was magnificent for the Warriors, scoring 26 points and making six steals. Dayton, OH – Coaches Tyson McLaughlin of Ottawa-Glandorf and David Dennis Sr. of Harvest Prep had to be feeling more
A well-executed final play, capped by Nick Wigton’s three-point shot at the top of the key on a nifty assist by Logan Hershberger, helped Berlin Hiland escape with a 62-59 state semifinal win over Lima Central Catholic. Dayton, OH – Fans will forever remember the buzzer-beating three-point shot by Nick Wigton that gave Berlin Hiland
Explosive Delaware Hayes opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run to seize the momentum and added a 14-0 burst to open the fourth in claiming the program’s first regional championship. Four players scored in double figures for the 27-1 Pacers. Columbus, OH – Delaware Hayes plays a zone defense only on special occasions, and