Four Stateliners Named Phillipsburg Iron Strong Athletes of the Week

Hade, Pacewicz, Severs, and Kisslebach shine in basketball and wrestling

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Four Phillipsburg Stateliners athletes were named the Phillipsburg Iron Strong Athletes of the Week after standout performances in basketball and wrestling. Evan Hade and David Pacewicz set career-highs in scoring for the boys basketball team, while Natalya Severs and Ellie Kisslebach became the first Stateliner girls wrestlers to reach 50 career wins.

Why it matters

The Phillipsburg Stateliners have a proud athletic tradition, and these four student-athletes are continuing that legacy with their impressive achievements. Their success highlights the strength of the school's basketball and wrestling programs, and the recognition as Iron Strong Athletes of the Week celebrates their hard work and dedication.

The details

In boys basketball, senior forward Evan Hade scored a career-high 20 points to lead Phillipsburg to a win over Watchung Hills, and also hit the game-winning shot in a victory over Warren Hills. Sophomore guard David Pacewicz also set a career-high with 15 points in the win over Warren Hills. On the girls wrestling side, juniors Natalya Severs and Ellie Kisslebach became the first Stateliner girls to reach 50 career wins, with Severs accomplishing the feat first and Kisslebach following soon after.

  • Hade and Pacewicz set their career-highs in back-to-back victories last week.
  • Severs reached 50 career wins on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • Kisslebach reached 50 career wins on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Evan Hade

A senior forward on the Phillipsburg boys basketball team who is in his first season on the varsity squad.

David Pacewicz

A sophomore starting guard on the Phillipsburg boys basketball team.

Natalya Severs

A junior on the Phillipsburg girls wrestling team who became the first Stateliner girl to reach 50 career wins.

Ellie Kisslebach

A sophomore on the Phillipsburg girls wrestling team who became the second Stateliner girl to reach 50 career wins.

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What they’re saying

“Evan is fundamentally sound and someone you can always rely on to make the right play. He didn't come into the season expecting a big role but he's given us far more than we could have asked for. His basketball IQ is off the charts and we wouldn't be playing at this level right now without his steady presence on the court.”

— Todd Sigafoos, Phillipsburg boys basketball coach (TAPinto Phillipsburg)

“David's growth this year has been tremendous. He's embraced everything we've asked of him and is playing his best basketball at the most important time of the season. His effort, discipline and unselfishness are a big reason this team works. He's the glue that keeps us connected and moving forward.”

— Todd Sigafoos, Phillipsburg boys basketball coach (TAPinto Phillipsburg)

“Natalya is very driven and focused on improving at every practice. She's a great leader and role model for the team. Her best wrestling comes when she is on the attack in the neutral position.”

— Brett Hyland, Phillipsburg girls wrestling coach (TAPinto Phillipsburg)

“Ellie has a lot of experience wrestling is very athletic. Her best wrestling attribute is she's dangerous from any position on the mat and she is a pinner.”

— Brett Hyland, Phillipsburg girls wrestling coach (TAPinto Phillipsburg)

The takeaway

The Phillipsburg Stateliners continue to produce standout student-athletes who excel in both basketball and wrestling. These four Iron Strong Athletes of the Week demonstrate the depth of talent and commitment within the school's athletic programs, and their achievements will inspire the next generation of Stateliners to follow in their footsteps.