There’s something different about teams that have actually grown together over time and the West Michigan Premier 17U team has that feel this season.. The chemistry, trust and familiarity all show up when they take the floor and wing Alex Armstrong has become one of the biggest reasons why. The lengthy wing impacts the game on both ends, brings versatility to the lineup and continues to emerge as one of the more intriguing prospects in the region.

Armstrong has been around this core for years and that continuity has helped West Michigan Premier become one of the tougher groups on the circuit. “

One of the kids, Max Digman, I’ve been playing with since I was five years old,” Armstrong said. “We started with North Coast Premier and then evolved into West Michigan Premier. I’ve been playing with a lot of these guys for a long time.”

That chemistry has translated directly to success on the floor. While plenty of grassroots programs build rosters from all over the country, Western Michigan Premier has stayed true to its roots. Most of the roster comes from the same general area and Armstrong believes that connection matters.

“All of our guys are within like a 40-mile radius,” he said. “A lot of teams try to get kids from all over, but we’re more of a local team and I think that’s special.”

At 6-foot-6, Armstrong fits the mold colleges are looking for on the wing. He’s long, mobile, can defend multiple spots and has offensive versatility that allows him to impact games in different ways. He pointed to his length and defensive agility as areas that separate him.

“I think my length sets me apart,” Armstrong said. “My offensive skill and defensive agility too.”

The versatility comes naturally because Armstrong has spent years playing on the perimeter despite his size. Instead of strictly developing as a forward, he’s been able to handle the ball, play on the wing and grow comfortable operating like a guard.

“I’ve always played wing and guard,” he said. “That’s given me an advantage.”

College coaches have started to take notice. Armstrong currently holds offers from Taylor University, Hope College and Northwood University while hearing from a number of other Division two  and NAIA programs. A hot start to the MHC season and strong showing at DMV live has begun to change things for the Michigan wing. American University, Canisius University, Cornell, Boston, UMass-Lowell, George Washington, Indiana University–Purdue Fort Wayne, Colgate, Longwood, Grand Valley State and Thomas Jefferson have all reached out. 

When it comes to fit at the next level, Armstrong made it clear he values winning basketball and strong culture over everything else.

“Just a team that plays well together, shares the ball and plays defense,” he said when asked what he’s looking for collegiately.

Like most young wings, Armstrong knows the next step physically is adding strength and becoming more consistent as a shooter. He mentioned getting in the weight room this summer as a major point of emphasis moving forward.

With his size, feel, versatility and long-term chemistry with his teammates, Armstrong continues to trend upward. Western Michigan Premier has built a connected group that knows how to play together and Armstrong’s ability to impact the game on both ends is a big reason why that group continues to win games.