Hosey was the leading scorer in the Quigley Classic and MVP in the Colt Classic in 1976. While playing for Bob Byler High, he averaged 17 points and 20 rebounds as a senior and became the school's all-time leading performer in both categories. He starred in several post-season basketball tournaments after his prep career at Western Beaver High School.

In his first year at WVU, Hosey was forced to sit out the 1976-1977 season with a fractured bone in his wrist but he was still considered as freshman eligibility-wise. In the 1977-1978 season, he played in 17 games as a reserve, averaged one point and 1.2 rebounds per game. After beginning the season hampered by an injury, Hosey played 19 of 28 games in 1979, averaging 4.4 points and 4.4 rebounds a game.He performed well under pressure; his quickness and leaping ability were his strong points. He majored in business.