Connor Amundsen Is More Than Back

Watch 5-foot-11 Connor Amundsen for even a brief period of time during a game and you'll be reminded of the David and Goliath biblical tale. With Amundsen dribbling, shooting and quarterbacking his team, impervious to challenges from taller opponents, he levels opposing team members with his smarts, well-honed reactions plus elevated ability to read situations and opponents by responding to his advantage. No slingshots are required as Amundsen's slays with his combination of acumen, quickness and superlative skills.

So much so that UC San Diego and Houston Christian have already offered, the latter having been on Amundsen the longest even while he was sidelined by injury as a junior. Amundsen has also tripped to UC Irvine. On the D2 level, Fresno Pacific and Westmont College have extended offers with visits forthcoming to Chico State and Cal State East Bay.

All this interest is remarkable considering he missed his junior season due to double shoulder surgery (torn labrums). After missing eighth months, Amundsen has roared back. The collection of his various stats and honors include:

• Modesto Christian Classic All-Tournament - 50% from three-point range on 36 attempts/averaged 18 points per game, four assists, two steals and one turnover
  
• CALI-LIVE (Top Div) - Prep Hoops Stock Riser/NBN Mag Standout Performer - averaged 26.5 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, 4.25 assists, two steals
  
• SECTION 7 Top Div) - finished Top 4 in three-point shooting contest - averaged 22 points per game, 4.75 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.25 steals
  
• Also played for Oakland Soldiers on EYBL in May and in July went to Peach Jam
  
• Earned Cal-Hi Sports (6/6/22) 2024 #3 point, #26 overall, 2022 Cal-Hi Sports First Team All-State for sophomore class
  
• 2022 CalHiSports Open Division/Division 1 All-State Third Team
  
• Named Player of the Game in D1 State Championship contest with 25 points (highest scorer), five rebounds, four assists (a 65-57 loss versus Damien) - highest scorer in all divisions in State Championship games 

While sidelined, Amundsen unofficially performed as team cheerleader, lauding his teammates for their excellent efforts on the court when he easily could have crawled into a hole, moping and feeling sorry for himself. His willingness to help out doing whatever he could is a testament to his character and leadership.

Detailing his leadership skills as "holding myself and my teammates accountable," Amundsen is typically the best player or in the top two on his various teams and he understands that any talk first requires living it and gaining the respect of his teammates.

Asked to name his top skills and his initial replies are "making the right plays by making winning reads." That comes from "playing and practicing and watching so much basketball. I've learned to read and react without thinking." Quick with the ball is another Amundsen asset. Being a coach on the floor is another.

Amundsen offers immense credit to his father Tony (playing career at Newark Memorial High, Chabot College, Pacific and overseas), the current Clovis North High boys basketball coach, for aiding in the development of his basketball IQ. "He has a great basketball mind and can pick apart what takes place on the court. But my Dad didn't push basketball on us. My little brother and I were in the gym with my Dad when he was coaching and training and that exposure led to us choosing to play basketball. When we wanted to train with him, we had to come to him and ask."

Additionally, Amundsen saluted his mother "for taking me to practices and workouts. She would also prepare (road) meals for us." With an amusing aside, Amundsen noted his mother received an award for "Most Aggressive Player" on her fifth grade team although she didn't play sports later on in high school.

Amundsen described his best basketball moments being a series of playoff wins on the road late in the 2021-22 season (70-68 over Miramonte, 45-43 versus Folsom, 64-58 against Sacred Heart Prep and finally culminating in a 58-56 victory over St. Ignatius) that led to Clovis North winning the Nor Cal Regional championship. Amundsen totaled 21 points versus St. Ignatius. He recalled "one of the local television station nicknaming us "The Road Warriors." This streak came after the 13th-seed Broncos entered the playoffs viewed as little or no threat yet took down the 1, 3, 4 and 5 seeds. Also notice, Clovis North winning close games.

Asked to name the player who has given him the most difficulty on the court, Amundsen said, "Jackson Shelstad," a 6-foot point out of Oregon who is heading to the University of Oregon. "He was a load."

An honor roll student and a recognized scholar-athlete at Clovis North High, Amundsen will enroll in various AP courses during his senior year.

At the moment, he is looking to major in kinesiology with an eye towards eventually entering the coaching field.

Regarding recruiting, "I plan on taking my official visits in the Fall," he explained. "If I find one that is a good fit, I'll sign early (in November).