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.
In the latest chapter of a somewhat surprising and disjointed season, third-ranked Olentangy Berlin ran its record to 19-2 with a nail-biting win against 13th-ranked Marysville. Delaware, OH – Olentangy Berlin’s baseball season began like a scene from The Wizard of Oz. On March 14, a tornado ripped through the school grounds tearing up everything
Cleveland St. Ignatius used two runs in the middle quarters to seize control, then used its depth to wear down cold-shooting Centerville in the Division I state championship game. Dayton, OH – When Cameron Joyce was hired to head up the Cleveland St. Ignatius basketball program five years ago, he had one simple goal. “This
Playing a finely honed all-around game, Kettering Alter — with four double figures scorers — defeated Maysville 68-54 to capture its first state title in 23 years. Dayton, OH – As if the players needed another reminder about Kettering Alter’s rich history in athletics, one of its most famous graduates, John Paxson, spent time with
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