COBDEN — There are a lot of things missing from the pandemic shortened high school basketball seasons–namely fans and a postseason.

We still have witnessed many milestones and even school history.

The Cobden Appleknockers have had both in the last eight days. Last Saturday, head coach Wendell Wheeler won his 400th game. Friday night, senior Noah Franklin became the school’s all-time leading scorer. He followed that up by pouring in 40 in the win over Agape Christian Saturday morning, and then for good measure, Franklin reached 1000 career rebounds in the win at Patoka Saturday afternoon.

“I wasn’t necessarily excited about my individual success,” Franklin said. “I knew coming into the season we had a good team, and if we worked hard, it builds a good foundation as a team and (the success) would come. It’s just kinda reminder of our team success right now. We’re kinda on a roll, and I’m liking playing with these guys a lot.”

Saturday’s wins over Agape Christian and Patoka improved Cobden’s record to 14-0. While they won’t get a chance to see if they could make it to state, there is still some unfinished business left next week. The Appleknockers have a chance to finish with a perfect record in the imperfect season.

“To go through such a strange season with all the ups and downs, what a great group of young men for me to go through it with,” Wheeler said. “To go through something tough like this, they’re with a good group, and I think it’s an important part.”

“When my guys get to be old men, they’ll have great stories to tell their grandkids,” Wheeler added. “‘And when I played, I had to wear a mask every game.’ We’re trying to push you’re blessed to be playing at all, and you’re going through it with a great group.”

Cobden will play Century on Tuesday and Thursday next week, sandwiched around a game with Shawnee Wednesday. The Appleknockers will close the season next Saturday at Trico.