Milford guard Carson Lootz does not play like a guy who averages more than 25 points a game. He shares the ball, passes out of double teams, rebounds and plays with that Mustang might that is both popular and a dread for other teams in the Lakes Valley Conference.
At least that was the case Friday night when Milford trounced South Lyon 67-29 to move into third place in the LVC behind Waterford Mott and Walled Lake Central.
The Mustangs (7-3) also did not play like a team that has a guy averaging 25 points a game. The offense did not revolve around Lootz. If it made sense to pass him the ball, players did that. If it didn’t guys did not force feed the hot hand.
It’s a brand of ball head coach Dave Gilbert has been trying to get the Mustangs to play all season. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. It worked to perfection against South Lyon which resulted in mid-season fireworks on a cold and snowy night.
“Tonight is what we’ve wanted and we were not able to do the last couple of games,” Gilbert said. “We’ve got a couple other guys who can do it. We want to play that good brand of basketball where other guys are sharing and contributing.”
Despite his team first approach Lootz still poured in 37 points and grabbed six rebounds and enjoyed most of the fourth quarter on the bench with the game well out of hand. Milford jumped to an 18-2 lead and never looked back against a South Lyon team that Gilbert said was dangerous despite a 2-10 record.
South Lyon is threat because of forward Graham Braun who averages 21 points per game and can light up a gym with his solid inside and outside game. Milford held him to 10 points while also locking down teammates during its best game of the season.
This could be bad news for the rest of the conference if Milford plays like this the rest of the season. Milford is fully capable of winning another district title. Last season the Mustangs packed the house and scared eventual state champion Orchard Lake St. Mary before fading down the stretch in a 61-39 regional loss.
“I think we can make a pretty solid run,” said guard Owen Stark who chipped in 14 points. “I think we can do special things in our conference and we can make a run in the tournament. You saw how we did tonight. If we stay consistent we can do special things.”
Milford can be dangerous because it can still cook on off nights for Lootz. Nick Mcaler (10 points) can hit big shots along with Dylan Doggett (12 points). The show does not always evolve around Lootz, which is what Gilber wants.

“During the game I am not keeping track of stats,” Lootz said. “I want to play the game the right way. It works out this way but I am trying to get everyone involved and make the right play. Everyone got involved. This is probably the best game we’ve played all year which is nice.”