ORRICK – The Bearcats’ attempt to return to the Class 1 state quarterfinals in boys basketball has begun. Led by 18 points from sophomore Jaxon Miller and 12 from junior Zander Stevinson, the Bearcats cruised past Missouri Highway 10 rival Norborne 42-23 Nov. 23 at Orrick. They then fell to West Platte 72-19 Tuesday on the road. They were scheduled to meet Thursday against visiting Southwest of Livingston County before hosting the I-70 Conference Tournament. Seeded fourth, Orrick opens at 1:45 p.m. Saturday against fifth-seeded Crest Ridge. The winner will play the winner of Saturday’s meeting between top-seeded Wellington-Napoleon and eighth-seeded Santa Fe at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9. The loser will play in the consolation semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Hosting the tournament is “going to be really exciting,” coach Matt Brownsberger said Nov. 15. Playing in a conference tournament is a thrill, period, Brownsberger said. COVID canceled last season’s tournament. Senior guard Blake…