Followers of Milford girls’ basketball already knew that freshman Ashlyn Lutz is the younger sister of Mavericks super star Carson Lutz.
They already knew she is a capable scorer and rebounder. What they might not have known is how tough she is.
Baby Lutz showed that grit when she drove the lane Monday night, got popped in the chest but still had the strength and determination to bank in the shot on her way to a 23-point, nine rebound night during a comfortable 54-12 victory over Fenton in the opening round of the Hartland district.
Here is something else followers of Milford basketball might not know. Ashlyn is a better shooter than her super star brother Carson.
“For sure,” she said with a smile.
Well, that’s the way she sees it. Carson of course did not agree.
Carson broke out in laughter when I passed along his sister’s scouting report on the two.
‘She’s got time to catch up,” he said amongst a chorus of laughter.
One thing Carson did pass along to his sister is toughness. She was able to absorb that pounding in the lane from the many backyard brawls she had with Carson. He is known for his quickness and shooting. However, he is a strong guy who can create his own space in the lane.
Carson also told her to keep good balance by planting both feet and drive toward the basket.
“We talk to her about being physical and having an aggressive mind set,” Chip Lutz, her dad said. “I don’t think it is one thing I or Carson said to her. It is a continual conversation.”
The Lutz family is not the only siblings making a difference in Milford basketball. Senior Macy Jenkens played a big role along with junior Molly Jenkens. Eighth grader Maddie Jenkens is on her way and might be the best of the bunch.
She is expected to handle some of Macy’s ball handling chores when she makes it to varsity.
“She will be a really nice addition,” Lutz said. “She can really handle the ball. It will be nice.”
Fenton hoped for a David vs Goliath come back against Milford. The Mavericks outscored Fenton 127-15 in their last two meetings, including a 63-26 thrashing earlier this season. There was hope for Fenton because coach Don Kutchey played a trio of younger players who did not see much playing time in the first meeting against Milford.

Fenton (12-11) is used to making massive comebacks. The Tigers were 3-21 last season. One of the losses came against Swartz Creek, who smacked them around 50-24 during a regular season game. Fenton rebounded with 48-46 victory in districts.
Milford (14-9) advances to Wednesday’s semifinal (5:30 pm) against Howell (16-6) who is favorite to win this district.
It gives Ashlyn Lutz another chance to prove that she is a better shooter than her brother.
We shall see.