Orange County Prep Player of the Week : They’re Singing Praises Since He Changed Tunes

Jeff Herdman had his father more than just a little worried when he was an 8-year-old athlete.

Though his sports exploits had filled the family trophy case, Herdman simply could not handle losing. When his team lost or he did poorly, he threw fits--or small objects.

His father, Jeff Sr., finally sought the advice of a child psychologist.

“She told me kids don’t gain a concept of how to lose until they’re 10 years old,” Jeff Sr. said. “I thought, ‘Oh God, I can hardly wait till he turns 10.’ ”

Nine years later, Jeff Sr. has stopped worrying, and with good reason. His son has become one of Orange County’s leading high school basketball players at Mission Viejo High--no matter what attitude possesses him at the time.

“I used to get real mad and throw things,” said Herdman, a senior. “But that was only because I wanted to win so much.”

Herdman, The Times’ Player of the Week, led the Diablos to a Coast Christmas Tournament championship Tuesday night by averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds a game, including a 28-point high against Fontana. He was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

In a 54-52 semifinal victory over Edison, Herdman made a three-point play with 18 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime. He scored four straight points in the overtime to lead the Diablos.

Herdman’s teammates since fifth grade say his attitude has changed considerably.

Said Todd Mathews, Mission Viejo guard: “In seventh and eighth grade, Jeff would get all mad and yell at everyone if we lost. If we lose now, he’s pretty normal.”

Said Rich Brown, center: “He hated it (losing). His face would turn all red and he’d get a really mean look on it. He’s changed a lot, though. The things he does really help the team.”

When the team lost its second straight game to Long Beach Wilson this month in the Irvine Tournament, Brown said Herdman did something that “changed our whole team.”

“Everyone was really down (after the loss),” Brown said. “I expected Jeff to be real upset, but he wasn’t. He just got us together and told us we all had to start concentrating more, and to be better prepared. Now we do. It made a real big difference.”

It’s a difference that Jeff Sr. has noticed.

“I’m nothing but proud,” he said. “I never have to worry about him doing the right thing.”