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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Sunday, 25 April 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

Blackledge: The Truth Of The Matter Lies Somewhere In Between

According to survey, the percentage of coaches favoring playoff expansion to those who don't is about 50-50.  But the inconsistencies between stories, and demographics, and regions of the state lead one believe that we might never know the truth. Steve Blackledge shares perspective from central Ohio.
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Sunday, 21 March 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

DeSales Overwhelmed By St. Vincent-St. Mary Feeding Frenzy

Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary threw off its first half doldrums to storm past Columbus DeSales for the Division II title. Steve Blackledge writes for Press Pros.
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Sunday, 21 March 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

Westerville Central Grits Out Win Over Taller St. Ignatius

More about heart than size...Westerville Central and Tasos Cook (below) used speed and determination to knock out Cleveland St. Ignatius in the Division I semifinal Saturday night at UD Arena. Steve Blackledge writes the story for the latest Press Pros update.
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Saturday, 20 March 2021 / Published in Features, Home Features

Centerville Punches Through To The D-I Finals

They used patience and defense...and a pair of guards (Tom House, below) that Mentor simply couldn't play through.  Add a tough schedule of preparation and Centerville's playing for its first-ever title in basketball.
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Saturday, 20 March 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

Watson, Defense Propels DeSales To Win Over C-J

DeSales proved to be better on both ends of the court, and Davidson recruit Desmond Watson (below) was the offensive catalyst as the Stallions moved past Chaminade-Julienne to the Division II championship final.