As long as he can remember, James Snyder had been around the Tournament of Champions.

It has been a summer staple for him and his brother, Andrew, as their father, Eric, began the tournament 27 years ago. There has been a cavalcade of memories he and his family, from the choices of watching, working , and playing.

This summer, though, Snyder can reach a new pinnacle with the tournament.

A member of the Curmaci Dental team, Snyder and his teammates won games on the opening two nights of the tournament and believe they have a legitimate chance at winning the title. If they do, Snyder certainly will cherish the moment.

“It will be a Lehigh Valley dream come true,” gushed Snyder. “It is great playing in this tournament. Teams come from all over and we have some big crowds here. We believe we have a good shot to win the whole thing.

“We are a bunch of guys who have played together all our lives and we have that chemistry.”

Snyder is joined by former high school teammates Anthony Brinkley, Jake Bloszinsky, Josh Case, Derrick Bond, Jalen Nichols, Alex Parker, Brandon Purrone, assistant coach Brett Zeber, and former Northampton standout Derek and Phil Hall.

Derek Hall, a 7-foot center, has played in Europe as well as Team USA. Older brother, Phil, who is 6-10, is an assistant coach with the Northampton boys’ program.

Curmaci Dental was the regular season champion with a 9-3 record in the North Catty League and they lost to Pammer Chiropractic in the playoff. But Curmaci redeemed itself with a victory over Pammer Monday night to advance to Wednesday’s semifinals. Defending champion Nites is still alive.

“We all hung out together and we still do,” said Snyder about his teammates. “It is about team bonding and we have known the Halls. With them, we have some added height. We really know and have a good sense where everyone is on the court.”

Brinkley, who also has been a longtime follower and player in the league and tournament, has cherished the moments.

“It has been a lot of fun,” he said. “With the competition and the intensity on the court, it is a great feeling. We know what each other can do. The tournament is always well organized and it is a tribute that it is still going on. There are so many people who look forward to this.

“People don’t know how much time my father puts into this tournament,” added James Snyder. “He has created one of the most competitive tournaments around.”

The Nites defeated Stew’s Tire while Curmaci Dental topped Pammer Chiropractic. Those two teams will square off in one semifinal game with Ohlson Landscaping and Tony’s Top Hat playing in the other.

Ohlson beat Monroe County Abstract while Tony’s beat Gaws Gang.

Both semifinal games took place on Wednesday night after Press deadlines. The Finals are scheduled for Thursday night at the Catty Playground at 6:30.