Whitehall’s Camden Thompson is a rare active player to have his jersey retired

Whitehall’s Camden Thompson takes a jump shot against Forest Hills Central at the Cornerstone Holiday Tournament on Dec. 23, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

ROCKFORD, Mich. - Camden Thompson was the last player to emerge from the locker room on Monday night. 

The Whitehall High School senior was moving slowly after another game where he got double teamed, face guarded and bodied up any time he touched the ball. But he rarely complains and he never comes out of the game unless he’s in foul trouble.

So Thompson took his time to peel off his sweat-soaked No. 23 jersey after Whitehall lost to No. 5 ranked Rockford 69-37 on Monday, Feb. 3. 

It’s a jersey number that will never be worn by another player at the school. 

Whitehall announced Thompson’s No. 23 jersey will be retired, which is pretty rare for a high school basketball player. But it’s almost unprecedented that it happens while the athlete is still playing.

Whitehall coach Christian Subdon got the idea after seeing Muskegon Mona Shores retired the jersey of Jordan Walker, the 2017 Michigan Miss Basketball in January.

“I saw the Jordan Walker jersey retirement at Mona,” Subdon said. “She’d been gone so long that some of those (current students) don’t know the impact that she had. Cam’s had an incredible impact on our town and our school. He’s got a lot of kids that look up to him. And I want them to be there to share the special moment with him.”

Whitehall’s Camden Thompson chats with coach Christian Subdon at the Cornerstone Holiday Tournament on Dec. 23, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

After Monday’s game, Thompson has scored 1,702 points and is Whitehall’s career leader in points, rebounds (1,170), assists (307), steals (187) and blocked shots (135). His rebounding total is sixth in MHSAA history.

During his four-year varsity career, his teams are 88-16.

“He’s the leader in every statistical category that we have at Whitehall,” Subdon said. “So I want to honor him with the people that helped raise him.”

Thompson was surprised by the honor.

“It came out of nowhere,” he said. “I didn’t believe it at first. I’m like ‘are you sure?’ My coaches wanted to do it now instead of waiting for the next five or 10 years. So the people in the community who watched me my whole life … they are here for this moment while I’m still playing.”

The 6-foot-5 guard/forward has committed to play both basketball and football at Western Michigan University. He’s also a candidate for Michigan’s Mr. Basketball Award.

This season, he is averaging 24.4 points, 14.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.7 steals. 

Camden Thompson warms up with his travel basketball team, the Grand Rapids Storm, at the Storm Classic in 2023. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

Thompson also has played travel basketball at a high level with the Grand Rapids Storm the past four years. His Storm coach Jason Martin hasn’t had many players like Thompson.

“Cam is a special talent,” Martin said. “Size, strength, athleticism, motor and love for competition. You don’t see kids like Cam very often. What he has done for Whitehall and that community is unprecedented. And the recognition and honor is well deserved.”

Has Martin ever seen an active player get their jersey retired? 

“This is new to me,” he said. “Definitely a first. But I’m extremely happy for Cam. We are all proud to call Cam a Storm alum.”

Thompson also plays football and competes in track and field. Both at an elite level.  

Maybe his No. 12 football jersey will be retired someday, too.

“It’s a huge accomplishment,” Thompson said. “I’ve been in Whitehall my whole life. So to have this happen is a really huge thing for me. I love my community. I’m thankful to everyone who helped push me to be better.”

The retirement ceremony will be on Tuesday, Feb. 11 before Whitehall hosts Manistee. 

Whitehall quarterback Camden Thompson warms up before Game 1 against Hudsonville Unity Christian on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).