The 2026 Kevin Gilbert Scholarship recipients are, from left, Cole Raymond, Danny Contiliano, Kellan Komline and Deacon Moore.
Kevin Gilbert joined the Diamond Jacks program before many young players around the state could pick out Flemington on a map.
Kevin quickly went about laying down a standard of excellence, hard work, leadership and the critical importance of being a great teammate at the very moment the program was planting its roots at what would become the best travel baseball facility in the northeast.
Gilbert was on his way to an early morning practice just weeks before the start of his senior season in 2011 at Hunterdon Central High School when he tragically died in a car accident, not far from his home in Readington, N.J.
Diamond Nation formed a scholarship in Gilbert’s name in the wake of his death that shook both the Diamond Jacks program and the student body at Hunterdon Central. Gilbert, an outstanding center fielder and hitter, had already committed to play college baseball at Temple University. Kevin was even asked to attend an invitation-only workout with the Houston Astros.
The latest recipients of the 2026 Kevin Gilbert Scholarship are Danny Contiliano (Hunterdon Central), Kellan Komline (Bridgewater-Raritan), Deacon Moore (Lawrence) and Cole Raymond (Immaculata). Gilbert would certainly approve of the latest edition of this prestigious annual honor going to such high quality individuals.
“It means a lot to me to be a recipient of the Kevin Gilbert scholarship because I know that I get to represent someone that meant a lot to other people and especially represent someone that went to my high school,” said Contiliano. From what I have learned, Kevin was a very dedicated and genuine person, which is what I strive to be. So for others to think that I am similar to him in that aspect means everything to me.”
Each year’s Gilbert scholarship recipients must meet stringent academic, athletic and character requirements and submit an essay. Each honoree receives $2,500 to use for educational purposes. Kevin Gilbert was not only a remarkably talented baseball player, he was an honor student and a leader among his peers in the Diamond Jacks program and at Hunterdon Central High School.
It was Diamond Nation’s aim to form a scholarship in the name of Gilbert, who it deemed the prototype of what the young players in its program should strive to be. Diamond Nation has now honored 61 recipients of the Gilbert Scholarship since 2012.
Kevin Cust, Diamond Nation’s Director of Baseball Operations, was one of Gilbert coaches during his years in the Diamond Jacks program.
“Kevin is missed by all those he touched. It’s always hard to select this award because we have so many great Diamond Jacks that are deserving,” said Cust. “Kevin was such a special person with tremendous qualities that shined through, not only on the baseball field, but in the classroom and in the way he carried himself.”
The newest Gilbert recipients certainly reflect those attributes.
“The long standing tradition of this scholarship recognizes athletes who set the right example,” said Komline. “These athletes do the right thing on and off the field. I aspire to continue setting the standard for excellence and honoring Kevin Gilbert for all of his accomplishments and the life he lived.”
And it is not uncommon for high-level individuals to meet and overcome the daily challenges baseball offers.
“Kevin Gilbert’s story and love for the game is extremely inspiring and I could not be more proud to be recognized alongside my teammates who I’ve worked with to achieve our goals,” said Moore. “We have seen each other succeed and fail many times. I believe that speaks to the nature of baseball. It will not always be smooth sailing but continuing to show up and put in the work is all you can do to give yourself the best chance of success in this game.”
Cole Raymond has had a unique perspective on Kevin Gilbert, since his dad, Mike Raymond, was Kevin’s coach at Hunterdon Central.
“I’ve heard stories for years about the type of player and person Kevin was,” said Cole. “So to be able to receive this scholarship just means so much because it shows that I am turning into the player and person that was so loved by many.”
Here is a bit more insight into the individual scholarship recipients.
DANNY CONTILIANO
H/W: 5-10, 165
Position: Outfield
High School: Hunterdon Central
College: The College of New Jersey
Diamond Jacks: Since 10U season.
Contiliano had an enormous senior season at Hunterdon Central, batting .459 on the strength of 50 hits that included nine doubles, two triples and five HRs to guide Hunterdon Central (18-14) to the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 4 championship.
He also scored 41 runs and stole 15 bases on his way to earning Hon. Mention All-State by NJ.com. Danny concluded his impressive high school career with 107 hits and a robust ,407 batting average.
Danny on his coaches: “Coach Walt (Cleary) has worked with me doing hitting lessons since I was about 10 or 11 years old, so he really is the coach that taught me how to hit and got my skill level to where it is today. Coach Travis (Anderson), although I never played on his team, also had a big impact on me. What stands out to me with Coach Trav is him teaching me to play the game the way it is supposed to be played. Having respect for your coaches, umpires, and teammates is a message I always took away from his coaching.”
Danny’s career memories: “A specific moment that stands out to me is getting my 100th career hit in our first state playoff game this high school season. And also going on to win the sectional final in a dominant 14-1 performance (over Old Bridge).”
Danny on TCNJ choice: “Some of the deciding factors that made me choose TCNJ is the fact that they are an extremely competitive program and part of a very good conference, so I will be playing good competition. And I also get to pursue my passion for medicine there while also playing the sport I love.”
KELLAN KOMLINE
H/W: 5-10, 185
Position: OF/LHP
High School: Bridgewater-Raritan
College: Babson College (Mass.)
Diamond Jacks: Since fall of his 14U season.
Kellan concluded an impressive career at Bridgewater-Raritan this spring with 171 strikeouts in 151 innings-pitched and a paltry 1.99 ERA. He also batted .321 with 27 hits and 21 RBI his senior season, finishing with 74 career hits.
Komline had his first major breakthrough as a sophomore in 2024 when he helped lead Bridgewater-Raritan (30-3) to the NJSIAA Group 4 championship.
The lefty stepped in and posted a 5-0 record with one save, struck out 39 in 42⅔ innings and posted a 0.66 ERA. His team went 9-0 in games he pitched. Kellan’s signature win that season was an 8-1 decision over Livingston in the Group 4 semifinals.
Kellan on his coaches: “Coach Travis (Anderson) has had an immense effect on my development because he taught me the importance of hard work and dedication. Travis would consistently talk after practice about hard work and grinding even in-season. He highlighted that you should always get extra work in and stay in the gym throughout the whole year. This was one of my weak points, now my strength. So, using this advice has bettered my game in numerous ways. Coach Travis’ wisdom has always stuck with me and I am incredibly grateful for it.”
Kellan’s career memories: “One specific moment in my high school career that stands out to me is winning a state championship. This moment stands out to me because of the journey it took to accomplish. This championship win tied together our amazing season, as we had three other championships (Conference, County and Sectional). Winning a state championship is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life. The experience was incredible and I am proud to say that our team worked hard for that accomplishment.”
Kellan on Babson choice: “Some deciding factors that led to me choosing Babson college is the fact that it is a prestigious business school, ranked as one of the best in the country. I wanted to pursue a business major and I knew that Babson offered a top tier business education. Secondly, the coaches made me feel at home on my visit and got in depth with me about what I needed to succeed in college. Lastly, the culture at Babson is unmatched. Everybody there loves and cherishes the athletic atmosphere, which makes being a Beaver an easy choice.
Joining the four Kevin Gilbert Scholarship recipients are, from left, Diamond Jacks coaches Mike Buckelew, Kevin Cust and Travis Anderson.
DEACON MOORE
H/W: 5-10, 175
Position: Outfield/RHP
High School: Lawrence
College: Rider University
Diamond Jacks: Since 15U season.
Deacon has been a four-year player at Lawrence High School and, since his sophomore season, an integral part of the program’s emergence as a Central Jersey powerhouse under coach Jim Maher. The Cardinals went 66-20-1 the past three seasons.
It was an all-around outstanding senior season for Deacon. He batted .396 on 36 hits and the righty went 4-2 on the mound with a 2.52 ERA. He struck out 38 and walked just two in 36⅔ innings.
The lefty-hitting Deacon concluded his career with 107 hits and an impressive .379 career batting average.
Deacon on his coaches: “My Diamond Jack coaches, Chris Brown (Brownie), Coach Walt (Cleary) and Coach Travis (Anderson) have really taught me what it means to carry yourself as a baseball player. They hold everyone to an extremely high standard because they know what you are capable of. They know the game so well and love to teach the next generation of players and put them in a great position to succeed.”
“My high school coach, Jim Maher has also had a huge effect on my development as a player and as a young man. Once again, he holds his players to a high standard because he knows what they are capable of. He has been around the game for a long time and knows what it takes to keep progressing to the next level. On and off the field, Coach Maher has helped me grow as a player and a young man. I cannot thank these coaches enough for how much they have helped me grow and the lessons they’ve instilled will carry with me long after my playing days are done.”
Deacon’s career moments: “In my travel career, a lifelong memory was my 16U summer with the Diamond Jacks. It was my first time playing on an elite travel team and traveling to play in the biggest tournaments. I wasn’t sure if I belonged at first, but throughout that summer I learned how much baseball can bring guys together, and how much I can grow by stepping out of my comfort zone.”
“In high school, returning from a torn ACL to help my team win back-to-back Colonial Valley Conference Tournament championships was a huge moment for me. Throughout the time I was injured, I questioned if I would ever be the same player again, and finally seeing all my hard work was worth it in the end was a great reminder of what this game means to me.”
Deacon on Rider choice: “I decided on Rider University for multiple reasons. The winning culture, the coaching staff and the proximity to my home. Rider has been the winningest program in Division 1 baseball in New Jersey and they’ve done it built on toughness, grit, and camaraderie. The coaching staff instilled confidence in me when I was injured and didn’t have very much confidence in myself. And the campus, in my hometown of Lawrenceville, N.J., provides me with familiarity and the ability to always see my family.
COLE RAYMOND
H/W: 5-10 175
Position: LHP
High School: Immaculata
College: Marist
Diamond Jacks: Since 11U season.
Cole had a terrific senior season after battling the injury bug early in his high school career, showing just how much talent and ability he possessed. He went 6-1 on the mound with a 2.30 ERA, striking out 52 in 48⅔ innings for a 22-6 Immaculata team that reached both the Somerset County Tournament final and the Parochial A South semifinals.
Cole concluded his Immaculata career with 100 strikeouts in 92 innings and a 3.50 ERA.
Cole on his coaches: “Honestly all of my coaches have been a huge part of my development and career. I’d say Kevin Cust has definitely been a major part of it for me because he was my high school coach all four years and also my Diamond Jacks coach so he’s been through all of my highs and lows throughout my high school career and he’s always been there for me.”
Cole’s career memories: “I’d say the biggest and most memorable moment in my high school career was closing out the Somerset County final my junior year. I just remember the adrenaline and electricity going through me as I walked out onto that mound and throwing that last pitch for the win. It was easily the most memorable moment I’ve ever had.”
Cole on Marist choice: “I absolutely love the coaching staff at Marist. They’re all amazing guys and I can’t wait to learn from them. Another big part was location because it’s close to home and my mom has an apartment for work in Poughkeepsie. So, my parents can come to more games. I love the campus and the energy it has. The second I walked onto campus I felt at home.”