But that appears to be changing when he's on the basketball court.

"He's a little more verbal this year, a little more vocal," says Davidson Day coach Ron Johnson. "I've always said, Phil's not shy. He's just a kind of quiet guy. He looks, observes, kinda takes things in. There's a difference in the two."

Anglade has been speaking up more now that he's a senior for the Patriots' basketball team which is 24-3 after a 60-38 over Victory Christian Tuesday night. Anglade had 17 points and 20 rebounds Tuesday, and his leadership, says Johnson, has been a key piece of the Patriots' puzzle.

"Having a guy or two that will step up and say it when things are not going well is important," says Johnson.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Anglade may not say much, but the Patriots seem to respond when he does speak up. As one team member once encouraged him, "You should talk, because everyone will listen to you."

Anglade's been doing more than just talking, too. He is trying to make the most of every opportunity.

That newfound attitude stems from missing most of last season with an injury.

The Patriots were playing Queens Grant in a holiday tournament when Anglade drove with the ball and landed awkwardly. He felt a pain and heard a pop.

"I tried to get up and couldn't get up for a couple seconds," he says.

After the initial burst of pain, Anglade thought he was good to go, that he would be able to jog and jump. But as he re-entered the game, he realized something just wasn't right. He had to come out. The verdict: he had torn the ACL in his right knee.

"I was just devastated that my season was already over," says Anglade.

Johnson says the Patriots really missed Anglade's presence the rest of the way during a 22-10 season that ended in the second round of the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association's 1A playoffs.

Anglade knew he loved basketball before he was injured, but being unable to play made him cherish it even more. He watched and analyzed the game tirelessly. He lifted weights to solidify his upper body. He vowed to get back.

Six months later, he was cleared medically.

"July 20th," says Anglade, announcing his return date like it's his birthday.

Now, he says he not only appreciates the game, but the opportunity to play.

"I feel like I'm playing with a purpose now," says Anglade.

Johnson says he has improved defensively, at the foul line and has developed a mid-range jumper. Perhaps most importantly, tying it all together, he's more confident and deliberate in his final prep season.

"This year, I wanted to make it special," says Anglade.

Anglade, of Huntersville, is in his second year at Davidson Day, after attending North Meck High through his junior year. When he enrolled at Davidson Day, he made the decision to reclassify as a junior. There was work to do in the classroom, and he hoped an extra year would also benefit him athletically.

Johnson says reclassifying is beneficial for some students and not others, based on how comfortable they are with the college preparatory curriculum. And Davidson Day, along with other NCISAA schools, is shifting away from the option, falling in line with the eight-semester guidelines. But for Anglade, the decision appears to have paid off, even if a significant reason why was unforeseen.

Students who reclassify at an NCISAA school must do so when they enter a school; they aren't allowed to do so after the fact, or, say, if an injury occurs at an unfortunate and crucial time. But had Anglade not reclassified and last year been his senior year, he may have been passed over by college recruiters and could be attending a prep school far from home this year.

"It wound up working out for Phil, not knowing what would happen," says Johnson.

As it is, Anglade is attracting recruiting attention from Big South Division I schools such as Winthrop and Virginia Military Institute and various Division II schools such as Wingate and Barry.

"I think there will definitely be some opportunities for him," says Johnson.

As Davidson Day's season winds into its final month, Anglade is excited about what the Patriots can accomplish.

"This team, I feel like is very strong," he says.

And he would say that to anyone.