Originally published in Greer (S.C.) Citizen on Jan. 5, 2010, reprinted with permission

Joel Fitzpatrick (fitz@greercitizen.com)

As a high school senior last year, Chandler Hash was among the state's top basketball players.

He led the Greer Yellow Jackets to the AAA state title game as a junior and to 25 consecutive wins as a senior.

Hash is now a freshman at USC Upstate, and after a slow start, he is making an impact for the Spartans. Over the last six games, Hash is averaging 7.2 points.

"I am starting to get a better feel for how I need to play and work in practice," Hash said. "I have been working harder in practice, and it has helped me get more playing time."

Hash played a total of 13 minutes in his first two games and didn't score. He scored his first college points in the third game of the season, hitting a three-point shot in a 79-61 loss to Wofford.

"It was a good feeling to see the ball go in the basket," Hash said.

Playing against Wofford, a team that competed in the NCAA tournament last year, has been one of several highlights for Hash.  The Spartans have also played road games at Michigan, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina State, Auburn and Virginia Tech.

"Michigan was a great experience," Hash said. "We got to walk around the Big House (Michigan's football stadium). The atmosphere of that college was really cool.

"Virginia Tech has probably been my favorite place so far. They have a nice facility, and it's just a really neat area."

Hash scored a season-high 12 points in just six minutes when the team visited N.C. State.

"It definitely helps your confidence when your best game is against an ACC school," Hash said. "You prove to yourself that you can do it."

The performance against the Wolfpack earned Hash his first start the following game, against Auburn. He responded with 11 points, four rebounds, one steal and an assist in 20 minutes.

USC Upstate lost 10 of its first 12 games, but Hash said the team's schedule has helped prepare the Spartans for Atlantic Sun Conference play.

"We have played for some pretty athletic teams with a lot of age on us," Hash said. "Our conference is pretty good this year, so playing those teams has given us the confidence and momentum to work hard every night."

Hash attended a recent game between Greer and Eastside. Although he has several good memories of his days as a Yellow Jacket, he admits that he was ready to move on to the next level.

"I really enjoy playing college ball," Hash said. "I do miss high school, though."