SUWANEE – A viper is defined as a venomous snake that normally keeps to itself. However, when they strike it is quick and most people do not realize they have been bitten by them until it is too late.

This is exactly what the Florida Vipers did to its opponents during the 16U division of the Norman Parker Elite Showcase. Florida captured the championship in convincing fashion when it beat the Georgia Stars Elite 60-30 at Suwanee Sports Academy on Sunday.

The Florida-based team dominated the game in every aspect.

Much of the teams success was Antonio Vrankovic. The 6-foot-10 sophomore, from Croatia, was an imposing presence inside which helped neutralize the length on the Stars team. He finished with 19 points and was just controlled the interior.

Whenever Vrankovic was not getting his hands on scoring opportunities, Jamal Palmer picked up the slack from the perimeter. The 6-foot-2 freshman added 16 points.

This teams domination was also solid considering it was not playing with Haanif Cheatham, one of the top players in the Class of 2015. Nevertheless, his services were not needed this weekend as they just manhandled the competition.

Coming into the finals, the Stars were putting in some work and controlled their opponents. Before they advanced to the finals the Stars were in an overtime battle with the Atlanta Xpress, which many felt should have been the championship game. The game could have taken a toll on the Stars but on the flipside the Vipers played four games on championship Sunday. Florida managed fatigue much better.

Ricky Madison scored a team-high eight points for the Stars. Chris Lewis and Josh Coleman finished with five apiece.