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.
Watterson rode its tenacious defense and disciplined approach to a 47-44 win over AP poll champion Olentangy. Meanwhile, Pickerington Central used a 19-0 run to rout Olentangy Liberty in the other regional semifinal. Westerville, OH – Over a span of roughly 72 hours, the Bishop Watterson girls basketball team – seeded eighth in the Central
Sophie Ziel scored 32 points, including 6 of 6 free throws in overtime, as Watterson upset fourth-ranked Marysville in one of four district title games at Ohio Dominican. Other winners were Olentangy, Olentangy Liberty and Pickerington Central. Columbus, OH – In hopes of simulating what it would be like to face Marysville’s relentless defense –
The potent one-two punch of Sydney Mobley and Whitney Stafford delivered again with 21 and 20 points, and Kate Mosher chipped in 16 as top-ranked, second-seeded Olentangy played its way into the district title game Saturday. Sunbury, OH – It’s safe to say that when Olentangy eked out a three-point win over Hilliard Darby in
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