COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. - Bryce Harper of the College of Southern Nevada was the #1 overall selection in the MLB Draft yesterday, becoming the first player from a two-year college to be selected with the top pick.  Harper, who batted .443 with 31 homeruns and 98 RBI this season, was chosen by the Washington Nationals.

Harper, a First Team All-American, led the CSN Coyotes to their second appearance in the NJCAA Division I World Series where they advanced to the semifinals.

"This is terrific publicity for junior college baseball," remarked NCC Head Baseball Coach Adrian Yaguez, "I'm not sure people realize the quality of baseball that is being played in the NJCAA.  There are a number of student-athletes out there, like Bryce, who elect to go to junior college to get instant exposure and be eligible for the draft.  I think having the top pick in the MLB draft just solidifies the fact that we are competing against some tremendous athletes at the NJCAA level."

Harper was the lone NJCAA player selected in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft, but many NJCAA players will be selected by major league clubs in rounds 2-50, which takes place Tuesday June 8th and Wednesday June 9th.  

Follow the 2010 MBL First-Year Player Draft at www.mlb.com.