Clinton Jorth had a strong feeling that the 2007 boys water polo season could be special for Newport Harbor.

He thought so highly of the Sailors' chances to contend that it was one of the main reasons he decided not to try out during the summer for the U.S. national youth team.

“The thing that really kept me from going there (was) the (high school) team,” he said. “I just wanted to bond with my team as much as I could.”

The decision certainly paid off for Sailors and Jorth in the fall. The close-knit squad played some classic Newport Harbor water polo and claimed the 12th CIF-SS title in school history.

Jorth led Newport Harbor (30-4) in scoring and steals and was second in assists. But just as important, his leadership guided the Sailors in and out of competition pool. For his efforts, Jorth is The Register's Player of the Year.

The senior also has been voted the Division I and Sunset League Player of the Year.

“It was a great year for him,” Newport Harbor coach Jason Lynch said. “He could hurt (teams) in so many ways.”

Newport Harbor's run in the 2006 Division I playoffs ended with a 6-5 loss in the semifinals against eventual champion El Toro.

The Sailors returned a few key components from that squad, but behind Jorth, they made major strides. Newport Harbor defeated El Toro in the finals of the South Coast Tournament, 8-5, and again in the Division I semifinals, 9-8.

Newport Harbor beat Northwood, 11-3, in the most lopsided Division I final since 1973.

A gifted passer, Jorth often looks for the assist first. But he became more of a go-to scorer at times this past season. He finished with 81 goals but still added 38 assists.

“It was kind of hard being the guy who has to get the ball and has to score,” Jorth said. “(But) I also felt proud being the one they trusted with the ball.”

Jorth also was valuable on defense and on the counterattack, two traditional strengths for Newport Harbor. Despite guarding the top scoring threat for each opponent, Jorth collected 69 steals and was difficult to earn an ejection against.

As much as Jorth grew as a scorer, he matured just as much as a leader. He became a vocal captain and gave fiery halftime speeches in the Division I semifinals and finals.

“We're all best friends,” Jorth said of his teammates. “So it was kind of easy to step up as a leader. They trusted me. They respected me. I had their respect, and I respected them, also. … I think the whole team improved a lot.”

Jorth credits much of his development to his brother, Clay, a former All-County player at Newport Harbor and now a sophomore-to-be at UCLA. “He started playing when he was 8 years old, and I would go watch him,” Jorth said. “I was always inspired by him and his teammates.”

Jorth has so far set one recruiting trip: to UCLA, of course.

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com