HOUGHTON, N.Y. — Houghton University men's basketball standout Lou Bellamy has been named to the Empire 8 All-Conference Second Team for the 2025-26 season, the Empire 8 Conference announced today.

The junior forward from Tampa, Fla., capped a standout season for the Highlanders, showcasing his scoring and rebounding prowess in conference and non-conference play. Bellamy finished the regular season averaging 19.4 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game, ranking him second in the Empire 8 in scoring and among the league's leaders on the boards. His 14 double-doubles highlighted a season of consistent high-level production.

One of Bellamy's most notable performances came in a tight road contest against Hartwick College, where he posted 30 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists, leading the Highlanders in a hard-fought 75-73 victory.

Bellamy also earned Empire 8 Player of the Week honors earlier in the season after a dominant stretch in December, averaging 22.5 points and 11.5 rebounds while nearly reaching a triple-double in one contest.

In addition, Hudson Idzi was Houghton's selection to the E8 Tomorrow's Leaders Team. One member of each team was named that institution's representative. This team honors a student-athlete who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community. In addition, they "compete with honor and integrity" and have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportsmen.

"Developing character and integrity is a hallmark of the Empire 8," said E8 Executive Director Chuck Mitrano. "This series is proof that Empire 8 and our member institutions are committed to intercollegiate athletics' important role in higher education."

Full all-conference press release.