Johnston players gather and celebrate with the state qualifier banner following their 43–40 win over Roosevelt in the substate final on March 3 at Roosevelt High School. The victory sends the Dragons back to the state tournament for the first time since 2024.

Johnston Defeats Roosevelt 43–40 in Electric Sold-Out Substate Final, Advances to State

Johnston boys basketball traveled to Roosevelt High School to face off against the Roughriders in an electrifying substate final.

Kaden Krebs, Sports Editor

March 4, 2026

Des Moines, IA – March 3, 2026

Johnston trailed 24–23 at halftime but secured the win in the closing minutes. A critical three-point field goal by junior Emri Jones late in the fourth quarter extended the Dragons’ lead to 40–36. Despite a late push by Roosevelt that cut the lead to 42–40, Johnston made a final free throw in the closing seconds to seal the three-point victory.

With the win, the Dragons have now won eight consecutive games and punched their ticket back to the state tournament for the first time since 2024. Johnston was awarded the sixth seed and will face third-seed Waukee Northwest on Tuesday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Casey’s Center.

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