All-County Girls Water Polo Player of the Year: Annika Dries

One of Annika Dries' most expressive moments came during the CIF-SS Division II girls water polo final. And it wasn't after she scored a goal.

With Montebello's power-play defense focused on her, Dries put her practice into action. She drew the Oilers closer before deftly passing at the last second to freshman teammate Melena Masson, who scored a key goal.

Dries emphatically splashed the water and Laguna Beach went on to capture its second championship.

For Dries, nothing was than better than excelling in ways that helped her teammates and team. As she improved, so did Laguna Beach. For her efforts, Dries has been selected The Register's player of the year.

"She's just a great teammate," Laguna Beach coach Ethan Damato said of Dries, also the CIF Division II player of the year.

When it came to execution at 2 meters, Laguna Beach had arguably the top high school center in the nation in the powerful Dries.

Last summer she played on the scout team for the U.S. Olympic squad. She also helped the United States' 18- and 20-and-under teams capture global championships.

Dries didn't let up during the high school season. The Stanford-bound senior scored 125 goals - seventh in Orange County - despite being the focus of most defenses.

She also drew a staggering 110 ejections, including seven against Newport Harbor in an epic Masters semifinal, had 39 assists and was an excellent defender.

But just as important, Dries succeeded with her teammates. She brought the knowledge she gained from the national team back to Laguna Beach and helped the Breakers (31-5) compete against the Southern Section's elite.

"Teamwork not only (helps) you have these great experiences and relationships, but it's what you need in the world," said Dries, who carries a 4.6 grade-point average.

"It's kind of funny looking back. … (and) seeing each year, being able to not only get better individually but getting better at working with a team, and getting to learn from other players and teach other players.

"I'm really happy I'm part of this sport."

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com