Sean Nakamura | SL

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Waiakea High left-handed pitcher Kodi Medeiros became the highest Hawaii high school player taken in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player draft as the 12th overall selection by the Milwaukee Brewers.

"It's amazing to think that my dream came true," said Medeiros, when reached by phone Friday morning. "All of the hard work and sacrifice paid off and I'm just so blessed to have this opportunity."

It is the first time a Hawaii prep player was taken in the first round. The previous high was Kamehameha's Bronson Sardinha, who was taken 34th overall by the New York Yankees in the supplemental round of the draft. Sardinha signed for $1 million.

Medeiros had a predraft workout in Milwaukee last week.

"The catcher I was working with said he heard that I touched 97 (miles per hour), so I think that might have been the icing on the cake for (the Brewers)," Medeiros said. "I felt good about the workout, but it still wasn't a sure thing that they were going to take me."

Medeiros said he also drew heavy interest from the Indians, Royals and Diamondbacks.

The 12th selection of this year's draft has a slot value of $2,805,700.

Medeiros, who along with his parents Robert and Kori and brother Korin attended the draft in Secaucus, N.J., will visit family members in Las Vegas before returning to Hawaii next week.