With what appeared to be a theater of family, friends and well-wishers behind him, Gilbert High's DJ Peterson was the first Arizona player selected Thursday -- the 12th pick overall -- by the Seattle Mariners in the MLB first-year player draft. His little brother followed a round later.

D.J. Peterson hugged younger brother, Dustin, upon hearing his name called in what was certainly a big night for the power bats the Peterson boys boast.

With Dustin's selection some four hours into the draft, he summed up the feeling for the family and his brother telling MLB network, "We couldn't be more blessed. The night has been very stressful."

D.J. Peterson, who graduated from Gilbert High in 2010, has gone on to polish his craft -- power and hitting for average --  at the University of New Mexico. To that end he was worthy of an elite pick in the professional ranks. Peterson batted .408 this past season for the Lobos with 19 home runs and 72 RBI. DJ improved his draft position from three years ago when the Mariners tabbed him in the 33rd round out of high school.

Dustin Peterson, who graduated from Gilbert High two weeks ago after putting together and impressive three-year varsity career, heard his name about three hours later as the 50th pick overall in the second round by San Diego. Dustin Peterson showed power and speed to scouts al spring. He batted .540 with 10 homers 39 RBI. Twentty-seven os his 47 hits were for extra bases. He played shortstop in high school, but is likely headed to a corner position if he decides to sign with the Padres. Dustin Peterson has signed to play at ASU this fall. 

A third East Valley product was taken about 20 minutes after Dustin Peterson when Desert Ridge shortstop Riley Unroe was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays at No. 60 overall in the second round. Unroe, who has signed with USC, was a consensus player of the year in the East Valley this season after batting .553 with 10 homers, 59 RBI and 25 steals. A strong beginning to 2013 at the prep level convinced scouts Unroe could make it in the big leagues as a shortstop. A switch-hitter, Unroe has the versatility with his athleticism to play elsewhere if need be. He is also the son of former big-leaguer Tim Unroe, a third baseman.