Tough defense and strong inside play carried fifth-ranked Des Moines Roosevelt into the Class 4A semifinals.

The Roughriders got big games from MyKenya Johnson and Charmaine Bell in beating fourth-ranked Linn-Mar 57-35 on Wednesday.

Johnson, a 5-foot-11 junior, had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Operating on the low block, she went 8-for-13 from the field and made seven of 11 free throws.

Bell, a 5-10 junior guard, contributed 19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and four steals. She scored mostly on drives to the basket but also hit the game's only 3-pointer.

Freshman Jaime Printy, who has committed to the University of Iowa, led Linn-Mar with 17 points. Jaye Hutcheson added seven points and five rebounds for the Lions.

Roosevelt had a size advantage and went inside for most of its points. Of the Roughriders' 21 field goals, all but three were layups or close-in shots.

Linn-Mar stayed close until Roosevelt went on a 12-2 run to open a 38-23 lead early in the fourth quarter. Johnson had eight points on three inside baskets and two free throws to lead that run.

This is Roosevelt's third straight trip to the state tournament. The Roughriders lost in the first round each of the past two years. They're now 20-4 and will play again Friday at 1 p.m.

Linn-Mar made the tournament for the first time since winning the first-ever five-player title in 1985. The Lions finish 20-4.