NATCHEZ — Adams County Christian School’s Andrew Ratcliff literally had some of the biggest shoes to fill in the Miss-Lou from last season.

Ratcliff, the starting center for the Rebels this year, took over for 6-foot-5 Brandon Brooks, who was a force for the Rebels down low last season.

But every day, Ratcliff was the one in practice doing everything he could to put up a fight against him.

“I really think practicing against Brandon last year helped him,” ACCS head coach Richy Spears said. “He had to be able to head fake him and go by, because you weren’t just going to stand there and shoot over him.”

Ratcliff said it was tough, but worth the challenge.

“It helped me more than you could ever know,” he said. “(Brandon) is so big, strong and quick, and there was nobody better in the MAIS than him last year.”

The results of Ratcliff’s hard work are showing so far this season, as he is one of the top scorers for the Rebels. He recently scored a game-high 21 points against cross-town rival Cathedral.

“It has been really tiring, but I feel like I’ve improved a lot from last year,” Ratcliff said of his journey to the starting lineup. “I know that getting in the gym and lifting weights has really helped me.”

Ratcliff isn’t the biggest of post players, but his ability to do more than just play down low has helped his game flourish.

“He can put it on the floor a little bit and he can shoot the three,” Spears said. “There are times at practice when he is shooting the three better than the guards do.”

Ratcliff said the versatility is key to his success.

“Normally, post players are bigger and slower, but with my ability to shoot and put it on the floor, it puts other teams in a bind,” Ratcliff said. “If they back off, I can shoot, but if they come up on me, I’m quick enough to drive to the goal and get a layup.”

Spears said he is hoping to channel some more aggression from the senior, which he believes will push him to another level of play.

“He’s come a long way since last year with his presence, but he’s got to attack more because he is what we’ve got,” Spears said. “I know he has been working hard at doing that. He’s going to give some people matchup problems when he gets it going.”