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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Saturday, 11 March 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Royal Clutch Down Stretch In Central’s Triumph

Olentangy Orange defenders Mikey McCollum (14) and Jordan Edwards (2) stand their ground and draw a charge against Pickerington Central's Devin Royal late in the fourth quarter of the Division I regional final, but it was Royal who led the charge for the Tigers in their advance to the state tournament.
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Saturday, 11 March 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Olmsted Falls’ Late Surge Dooms Pick Central

Pickerington Central's Trinity Jackson shoots over Olmsted Falls' Danielle Cameron, but the Tigers' size inside couldn't hold up against the five-guard lineup that erased their fourth-quarter lead and completed a comeback in the Division I state semifinals. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Friday, 10 March 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Africentric Throttles Wheelersburg, Seeks 8th Title

Africentric’s Ashtan Winfrey gets a shot over the Wheelersburg defense, which could not cope with the Nubians' speed in their 55-37 Division III semifinal victory at University of Dayton Arena. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).
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Friday, 10 March 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Royal, Defense Lift Central Past South In Semis

Westerville South’s Amari Hodges finds space to shoot ahead of the close-out from Pickerington Central’s Gavin Headings, but the Tigers allowed precious few open looks in advancing to their second straight Division I regional final. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg.).
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Wednesday, 08 March 2023 / Published in Central Ohio, Central Ohio Feature, Features

Orange Dumps Newark To Gain First Regional Final

Olentangy Orange’s Jordan Edwards, shooting over Newark's Austin Rose, stuffed the stat sheet admirably to power Olentangy Orange to a comfortable victory that advances the Pioneers to their first regional championship game. (PressPros Feature Photo by John Hulkenberg).