The phrase “tough love” is thought to have been coined by Bill Milliken in his 1968 book of the same title. Since then, there have been countless books and articles written using that same name, with plenty of opinions on the merits of tough love and how (and if) it should be applied.
Practicing tough love is not about being rude or alienating friends or loved ones. Yet, when people we care about engage in unsafe habits or practices, it often becomes necessary to adopt a more serious approach to helping them grow. Some people mistakenly believe that tough love only affects the people who are being restricted. This is not the case. In fact, tough love can be just as hard on the person giving it as the one who is receiving it.

Character Info:
Derron: Derron Smith is Travion Smith's younger first cousin. He is quite tall for his age. He is 5'1 SF and is known for his shiftiness and finishes. He plays on the Kainsly County Chargers.
Travion:
Travion Smith is the older first cousin of Derron Smith. He is in 7th grade. He is a 5'7 PF and is a good defender and an efficient scorer for his team. The Kingston Wildcats.
Izaak King
Izaak King is known for his cheeky attitude and trash-talking. He is in grade 7 and plays PG. He and his siblings play for the Kainsly County Chargers.
Malik King
Malik King is known for his cool ego and style. He is Derron's best friend. He loves scoring 3's.
Angelo King II
Angelo King II is known as the next Angelo King I. He is the tallest out of the siblings, playing C/PF. That doesn't stop him from his abilities just like his fathers. He loves scoring 3's and blocking shots.
Zhane Goodman: Playing for the Kingston Wildcats, Zhane Goodman is the greatest elementary center in the state. When he sees you in his way on defence, he volleyball spikes the ball out of the court! He loves taking hook shots and using "The Dream" moves.
Tremonte Wall:
Tremonte Wall is the 2nd best PG in elementary school in the state. He loves working as a team and is not afraid to shoot tough shots. He is known as Kobe Bryant without the ball hog mentality.
Jaylenn Murray:
The main SG on the team. He is known for his humble attitude and his silky jumpshot. Almost nobody can stop him. But he continues to be humble.
The Tale Of Tough Love and The
Mountain Of Jealously
Matteo Jardinel

Before you read, add some of these books to your reading list:
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Tayo Ball: Coming Soon!
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Brotherhood
Chapter 1
Streetball Cousins
Derron and Travion Smith are sitting on the park bench, taking a few sips of Gatorade. The electrolytes power the body slowly. "Who wants some more 2 vs. 2 tournament rounds?" Travion asked. Their whole bloodline has gathered around for a family gathering. It's a tradition for the Smith family. "Me and my Papa want a challenge!" Said their cousin Gabriella. Their Uncle Drue agreed. Drue Smith used to be an NBA star. But now, he was an old chubby man who could barely run 3 suicides! "This is gonna be so easy!" Said the two cousins in unison. Derron checked the ball. He remembered not to double-check with his unc'.
Or it could lead to an easy turnover. He faked a pass to Travion. The cousins ran their signature play. "Pop and Cut" is what they called it. Travion cut to the basket, and an easy lay is made. "It's make it take it, Uncle!" Scoffed Travion. "I want a challenge!" "If you want a challenge you got it." Travion dribbled the ball and one-handed v dribbled to fake that he was going to the left, Uncle Drue fell for it but recovered quickly. Travion thought it would be an easy lay once again. But Their Uncle proved him wrong. He snatched blocked from behind!
"Alright Unc' I see whatcha doing." Hissed Derron sarcastically. Their Uncle Drue hit Derron with the same move just like the start of the game. He ran a Pop and Cut with his daughter Gabriella. "Easy lay!" Said Gabriella arrogantly. "Hahaha." The uncle dribbled the ball, his old point guard moves were kicking in. He crossovered, between the legs and behind the back. Though Derron thought it was just one of his former NBA uncle's exhibition dribbles in place, it wasn't. Their uncle hit a hesi stepback. Derron was lost!
Derron recovered, but when he got up, their uncle hit a sidestepped! "BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Said the other family members watching courtside. This time Gabriella checked up the ball. She crossovers. Dribbled slow, then exploded! She hits a euro step on Travion but it's an in-it-out, too much power using the backboard. Travion dribbles the ball and knocks down a 3 once he clears out the ball. The game goes on, and it's tough luck for the Gabriella and Uncle Drue. 6-11. The Smith Cousins win! "Told ya this would be easy Uncle Drue!" Said Derron
arrogantly. "Next time I rematch you, I will bring over the best hooper in our family. Jaysen Smith. Just you wait Derron and Travion!" Joked their Uncle Drue. The day passed on for them, and they reign as the "2x2" Smith tournament champs! "Aight kids! Time to leave!" Said Derron's dad, David. "Okay Dad, coming!" "So are you coming to join the ball team?" Asked Travion "Ye of course. Whatcha think I'm gonna play tennis?" 2 tryouts have passed. He said. "I might be on starting if I keep up a good performance." Said Derron. "Same,
I might play SG." Said Travion. "If I get in starting, I get to play against you!" "Yeah, and I'm going to beat you." Exclaimed Travion.
Chapter 2
Jealousy Strikes
I'm heading to the court. Wanna meet there?
Derron
Yeah sure, let's play ball. Let's play our classic 2x2 tournament and practice for tryouts.
Travion
Alr.
Derron
"Yo wassup Travion!" Greeted Derron. What'd good Cuz!" It was still early, only about 11:00 in the morning. Usually, more hoopers come around noon. Just an hour before their possible tournament will start. "Let's practice while we wait for others to join the court." Suggested Travion. "Okay." Agreed Derron. They made a few shots all around the court. Even making a few trick shots like halfcourts and behind-the-backboard fadeways. A few people came to play on the other court. But they didn't want to ask them to 2v2. Because they were still warming up. "Wanna 1v1?"
Asked Derron. "Sure, this could be an early sneak peek if we make the team. We will know each other's moves if we play against each other." Derron checked up the ball. He faked a jumper, then attacked the basket. He laid it in with a jelly. "OOHHHH!" The guys on the other court were watching. "No, make it take it." Said Travion. "It's my ball now." "Okay." Said Derron. It was going to get competitive. Both of the cousins wanted to impress the guys watching courtside. The challenge was on. They played all morning. Their
1 Vs 1 Tournament never stopped. And both of them won tied rounds. "This is the last round."
Exclaimed Travion. The score was 20-20. Derron dribbled the ball, he read the defence of Travion. Travion was flat-footed in this play, he knew he could easily win this. He faked to the right. Then lifted off to the left. He stopped just on the left elbow. Travion ran out of bounds thinking Derron will still attack the basket for a lay. But Derron was standing on the left elbow ready for a wide-open mid-range shot. "BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!" Shouted the guys watching. "He's him!" Said one guy. "Ya the G.O.A.T.!" Said another guy. "Ha!" Laughed Derron. "I won the tournament!" Shouted Derron. "Pssst, whatever you've lost many times to.
Scoffed Travion angrily." Let's see how it goes when we see each other during the varsity games." Exclaimed Travion. "Ha, that's only an if." Talked back Derron.
Chapter 3
Earned A Spot
Travion Smith and his friends headed to the front door of the sensory room to see the list of the basketball team. "Ye we did it!" Shouted Tremonte. "Bro stop acting like Tatum." Laughed Zhane. The team laughed. "Oh yeah, we got practice too." Meanwhile, Derron also made the team for Kainsly County. Let's go, Derron! Said Malik. "Thanks, Malik."
That afternoon, the coach of the Kingston Wildcats, Coach Thomas gathered the boys for practice. The team practiced in their home court gym. "Alright team bring it in. "Next week we have to go against the Kainsly County Chargers. This might sound corny, but they're known for, well charging to the basket. They love taking layups. Now most teams couldn't stop them over the years, including last year when they won the championship. We can't let them win. It's easy to beat them. No fouling them when they're near the basket. Just arms up and contest. How about we practice that right now?" "Yes, Coach Thomas."
They gathered on the other half of the court. "This will work as a layup line, but instead of rebounding, you contest." Explained Coach Thomas. The coach turned to the players. "You got that?" He questioned. "Yes, coach." They practiced for 10 minutes, and the contest was going well. Coach Thomas couldn't stop saying, "Good contest!" For the last 10 minutes. He blew a whistle. "Alright guys, now we are holding our first team scrimmage of the year. A team will be our starting lineup, that will be Zhane Goodman at Center, Travion Smith at SG, Tremonte Wall at PG, Jaylenn Murray at small forward and Richard Williams III at PF. The rest are on the opposing
team. We will call the starting lineup A Team, and the bench lineup B Team. Now don't be afraid to be on the bench. You will all receive a good amount of minutes and playing time." Through the crowd, you can hear multiple "yes" around the court. They started with the jump ball, Zhane Goodman was too tall for the B team's center, Jaden Odom to even reach the ball. A Team easily won the jump. Jaylenn brought up the ball he hesi's the ball and then passed it to Travion, making a catch and shoot 3. "Nice shot Travion! Make sure to hit those in a game!" Travion's head turned to the coach. Don't worry coach, I will." Responded Travion.
It was time for the B Team to shine. Their point guard Amari Maxwell inbounded the ball to their center Jaden. Of course, they weren't dumb to let a center who dribbles high bring up the ball. The center passed the ball to Amari. Amari hesi crossovered to the left, then passed the ball to Gerald Mills in the corner. He faked a jump shot then hit a floater on Zhane. "Smart shot Gerald!" Shouted Coach. It was a tough matchup, before A Team could inbound the ball, the bell rang. "Alright team, practice is over. Head out the doors, except for Travion!" Said Coach Thomas. "Oooh Travion is in trouble!" Chanted the team in unison. "No he is not in trouble, I just need info or the game. "Oh." Said the team.
trouble. "Travion, I heard you have played against Derron Smith. You share the same surname. Said Coach Thomas. "Do you know any info and weaknesses about him?" Asked coach. "Yes, in fact, he is my cousin, coach. He loves scoring layups, and he falls for a few fakes while playing on defence." Replied Travion. "Okay, that will be all the information I will need. Thanks, Travion for the help. "Your welcome.
Travion headed for the doors and faced the kindergarten's room. He turned right to the "Sr. hallway. Consisting of Grade 7/8 classes. "Alright I will see you later at the mall Zhane." Said Travion. "Okay."
Chapter 4
The Message
Sup Cuz
Derron
Sup
Travion
I made the team and started the lineup. What about you? I play at SG.
Derron
Same here...
Travion
Excited to play against each other :) ???
Pls, it will just be any game, Imma' beat you
Travion
Travion felt angry inside. He felt jealous. First, he got embarrassed by somebody not even in senior grade, his cousin. Now he might get embarrassed on the court. He wanted to beat him.
Chapter 5
A Story Of Confidence and Airballs
The day has finally come. The start of the school season. Both are 0-0 of course. If one wins they will claim the win. Travion's dad, Mike. And Derron's dad, David walked inside the court. The pressure is on. They both sat beside each other ready to cheer on their son and nephew. But Travion didn't think that. With parents watching, there will be so much pressure. He also thought Derron's dad would bring him down. But it wasn't like that.
Meanwhile, Derron was waving to everybody on the court. He knew a lot of people watching courtside, most of them were his relatives, others were friends at his school or friends from Travion's school. "Ha look at Derron. Acting arrogant again." Travion said under his breath. The truth is that was not the case, nor was Derron arrogant. He sometimes can be cheeky when he beats somebody, but he doesn't view himself as a superstar who averages 30-10-11 triple-doubles. Deep inside, Travion just felt jealous. "Is that your cousin you always talking about? What's his name, Derron? Yes, Derron." Asked Zhane. "Ya." Replied Travion. "Is he good?" Asked Zhane. "Eh, he's okay I guess."
"You think he will beat us up in a blowout? Knowing you as a talented SG he could have some skills you taught him." Said Zhane. "Eh, he knows the moves, but he doesn't have the same skill I guess." Then the loudspeaker turned on. A loud ringing sound spread across the gym. The principal of Kainsly County, Mrs. Brookes faced the microphone, with her mouth half-opened. "Sorry for the loud ring attendants, we now announce that the Kainsly County Chargers will go through the hall for an introduction. The Kingston Wildcats were playing @ Kainsly County. The crowd will boo them. The pressure was even worse now for Travion.
"And now at Center, Gagge Camby! At SG and Captain of the team, say hello to Derron Smith!" "Wooooooooooooooo!" Many cheers were coming from the courtside. Mostly girls. The "snakes" in Travions stomach were starting to wiggle around. "At SF! Malik King! AT PG, please welcome Izaak King! Finally at PF, Angelo King II!" With every introduction, Travion's stomach felt worse. Travion walked to the outside of the jumpball crcle. Not picking up his feet. With every slide on the floor, it made a nice squeak sound. "Cheer up, we're going to win this. Trust." Encouraged Tremonte.
The jump started, the referee through the ball in the air, and the snakes in Travion's stomach started to wiggle even more. Though Zhane Goodman was tall, Kainsly's starting center, Jun Richardson perfectly timed the jump, giving it to Derron. Derron dribbled the ball, he took it slow. What is he doing? Travion thought. When Derron passed half, he still took it slow. Play 2-3 zone!" Coach Thomas shouted. The team responded. Derron jump faked hesi, Travion definitely knew Derron was going to the left, but instead he went to the right. "OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!" Screamed the bench. Derron went for an easy lay, swish! Not even the help defence can get past him. Kingston was ready now, or not.
1-2 zone, Derron thought in his head. The team played 1-2 zone just like how they did in practice. Travion dribbled the ball, showing off with exhibition dribbles. What could this do to me? Thought Derron. "Ye let's get it cuz." Said Derron. Travion ignored him. He thought Derron was being arrogant. But he was just being funny. Derron guards him tightly. "PASS THE BALL TRAVION! Zhane is wide open in the paint!" Coach Thomas was disappointed. Travion went for a shot. Not a smart one, he took a mid-range jumper when 2 defenders were guarding him! Boink! The ball hit the top of the corner. When Travion looked at his dad. His dad was shaking
his head in disapproval. Derron dribbled fast, planted his two hands on the ball and faked a jumper again, he passed to Malik King and he also faked, Malik passed to his brother Angelo, and then Angelo passed to his other brother Izaak in the corner. Izaak's defender Tremonte, thought Izaak would fake, so he shifted his feet to the right. But Izaak shot the ball from 3. The court was inaudible. "BOOOOMMMMMMMMM!" The Kainsly County crowd shouted. "Ay, they can't guard me! His ankles got snatch-a-roo! Ha!" Trash talked Izaak. Travion dribbled up the ball. Once again, he didn't pass. "Pass the ball Travion! Travion do you hear me?!"
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The phrase “tough love” is thought to have been coined by Bill Milliken in his 1968 book of the same title. Since then, there have been countless books and articles written using that same name, with plenty of opinions on the merits of tough love and how (and if) it should be applied.
Practicing tough love is not about being rude or alienating friends or loved ones. Yet, when people we care about engage in unsafe habits or practices, it often becomes necessary to adopt a more serious approach to helping them grow. Some people mistakenly believe that tough love only affects the people who are being restricted. This is not the case. In fact, tough love can be just as hard on the person giving it as the one who is receiving it.

Character Info:
Derron: Derron Smith is Travion Smith's younger first cousin. He is quite tall for his age. He is 5'1 SF and is known for his shiftiness and finishes. He plays on the Kainsly County Chargers.
Travion:
Travion Smith is the older first cousin of Derron Smith. He is in 7th grade. He is a 5'7 PF and is a good defender and an efficient scorer for his team. The Kingston Wildcats.
Izaak King
Izaak King is known for his cheeky attitude and trash-talking. He is in grade 7 and plays PG. He and his siblings play for the Kainsly County Chargers.
Malik King
Malik King is known for his cool ego and style. He is Derron's best friend. He loves scoring 3's.
Angelo King II
Angelo King II is known as the next Angelo King I. He is the tallest out of the siblings, playing C/PF. That doesn't stop him from his abilities just like his fathers. He loves scoring 3's and blocking shots.
Zhane Goodman: Playing for the Kingston Wildcats, Zhane Goodman is the greatest elementary center in the state. When he sees you in his way on defence, he volleyball spikes the ball out of the court! He loves taking hook shots and using "The Dream" moves.
Tremonte Wall:
Tremonte Wall is the 2nd best PG in elementary school in the state. He loves working as a team and is not afraid to shoot tough shots. He is known as Kobe Bryant without the ball hog mentality.
Jaylenn Murray:
The main SG on the team. He is known for his humble attitude and his silky jumpshot. Almost nobody can stop him. But he continues to be humble.
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