Amore Connelly is already tracking as one of NC's best in 2025

Amore Connelly burst on the scene this high school season and is now tracking as one of the top players in North Carolina. The 6-foot-1 freshman was the leading scorer for Morganton (NC) Freedom High School.

“I watch a lot of Ja Morant,” Connelly told On3. “The way he breaks down the defense and tries to dunk on everyone. That killer instinct Ja has, attacking the basket and going to dunk on people, is what I do best. I have been working hard on my handle and jump shot, which showed this season.”

Behind the explosive play of Connelly, his Freedom High team made the second round of the North Carolina High School playoffs.

“My freshman year went pretty well,” Connelly said. “We won two games in the playoffs, I wish we won state, but we did pretty well.”

Despite living in a smaller area, college programs started to take note of Connelly as the year went on. On3 caught up with Amore Connelly at Big Shots Tip-Off to see which college programs have taken an early interest.

“I visited Appalachian State; that is the only one. A lot of the local schools have contacted me; no one big yet,” Connelly said

Connelly talks visit

Appalachian State: “I visited there about a month and a half ago. I saw how they do all the little stuff on the floor. They don’t do all the dribbling. It’s all pass and cut.”

Connelly’s take

“I used to play football too,” Connelly said. “I was a running back, quarterback, and wide receiver; just put the ball in my hands and let me go. I didn’t play this year, but I may play next year; I’m not sure yet. I don’t want to get hurt for basketball, but I’m pretty good.

“I never really watched college basketball like that, so I didn’t grow up a fan of anyone really; it’s going to be whoever offers me that’s high D-I, I’ll like them. I play best when I play fast. I want to play in a system that lets me run.”

On3’s take

Amore Connelly is an explosive lead guard with a shifty handle. He is best in transition, where Connelly shows explosive bounce around the basket. He attacks the rim with a vicious attitude. His jump shot from beyond the arc is inconsistent, and he needs to continue polishing that. He has a nice pull-up jump shot, especially when getting into it using his left-to-right crossover dribble. Connelly will need to continue getting strong and making reads, but his natural skill of creating shots is apparent. He is currently tracking as one of the top prospects in North Carolina’s 2025 class.