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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Friday, 19 March 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

Moore’s Buzzer-Beater Lifts Worthington Christian To Win Over Cincinnati Taft

Junior DJ Moore ended it with the "biggest shot of my career", as Worthington Christian knock Taft out of the Division III tourney on a last-second shot. Steve Blackledge writes for Press Pros.
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Friday, 19 March 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

Late Surge Helps Columbus Grove Beat New Boston Glenwood

Down by double digits in the second half, Columbus Grove's fourth quarter surge breaks the hearts of New Boston Glenwood in the Div. IV semi-final. Steve Blackledge writes the story for Press Pros.
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Saturday, 13 March 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

Cook’s Last Second Heave Lands Westerville Central In Final Four

A wild finish to an unpredictable year and an improbable shot by Tasos Cook lands Westerville Central in its first state tournament Final Four. 
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Friday, 12 March 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

Blackledge: Big Boy Basketball Don’t Get Much Better…!

Gahanna and Westerville Central advance in boys regional play to set up an OCC showdown Saturday between the #1 and #2 seeds in the Central District. Steve Blackledge writes for Press Pros.
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Saturday, 06 March 2021 / Published in Central Ohio, Features, Home Features

Blackledge: Westerville Central Captures District Over Pick North

It took a 'dream' shot to do it, but a three-pointer by Landon Tillman handed Westerville Central the Division I district title over Pickerington North, at the buzzer. Steve Blackledge writes for Press Pros.