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.
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Monday, 21 March 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features, Home Features

Pickerington Central Stuns Centerville For Division I Title

Gold Standard....Ten years after Pickerington Central won its last state title in basketball, the Tigers took down defending champion Centerville and snapped its unbeaten streak in a stunning performance for the 2022 Division I championship. Steve Blackledge writes the story for Monday's Press Pros.
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Sunday, 20 March 2022 / Published in Features

SV-SM Finally Kicks It In, Speeds Past Gilmour

Kept in check by Gates Mills Gilmour for the first half, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary turned three turnovers into fast break baskets to key a 16-0 run that turned the Division II title game into the rout most expected it would be.
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Saturday, 19 March 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature

Defense, Depth Power Pick Central Into Title Game

Pickerington Central's sticky defense, as displayed here by Sonny Styles on the slam attempt of St. Ed's Jair Knight, powered the Tigers to an easy win in the state semifinals and a Sunday matchup with defending champion Centerville (PressPros Feature Photo by Sonny Fulks).
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Friday, 18 March 2022 / Published in Features, Home Features

St. Vincent-St. Mary Defense Fuels Rout Of Alter

After a sluggish start, top-ranked Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary got into high gear and trounced second-ranked Kettering Alter to reach a sixth straight Division III title game. Steve Blackledge writes.
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Friday, 18 March 2022 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features, Home Features

O-G’s Fourth-Quarter Surge Overcomes Africentric

In a fantastic duel between All-Ohioans Colin White and Dailyn Swain, Ottawa-Glandorf used a 12-0 fourth quarter run to take the lead and beat chilly-shooting Africentric, 53-48, and give Titans' fans something to scream about. (PressPros Feature Photo by Sonny Fulks).