MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Southern States Athletic Conference announced the 2025-26 SSAC Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete Team and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, with UT Southern's Mike Bell, Jr. earning recognition among the conference's top performers in the classroom and on the court.

Bell, Jr., a key contributor for the Firehawks, was named to the SSAC Scholar-Athlete Team after posting an impressive 3.73 GPA while serving as a consistent presence in UT Southern's lineup throughout the 2025-26 season. His selection highlights his commitment to excellence both academically and athletically, representing the Firehawks program at a high level.

Life's Shane Stevensen was named the 2025-26 SSAC Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The senior interdisciplinary studies major posted a 4.0 GPA and also earned First-Team All-Conference honors while being named the conference's Newcomer of the Year.

2025-26 SSAC Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete Team
Shane Stevensen, Life
Josh Baugher, Life
Kenton Steele, Point
Gil Gonzalez, Brewton-Parker Christian
Tanner Vogel, Faulkner
Mike Bell, Jr., UT Southern
Tommy Tisdale III, Brewton-Parker Christian

Bell, Jr. was among the top academic performers in the conference, ranking just behind the league's 4.0 GPA leaders and reinforcing UT Southern's continued presence among the SSAC's elite in both competition and the classroom.

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