BILLINGS Jeanann and Jay Lemelin didnt see it coming. And how could they?Im just like, Is this really happening? Jay recalled, reflecting on the moment they learned they would officiate together earlier this month at Montanas C lass A high school state basketball tournament.Watch the full video below: Whistle while you work: Lemelin father-daughter duo team up at State A tourneyThe answer was yes. A father/daughter tandem was set to officiate the state tournament, and they couldnt have been more thrilled. MTN Sports inquired with multiple longtime coaches, refs and scorers, and nobody could recall a father-daughter state tournament officiating pair previously in Montana.Referees are notified by email whether theyve made the cut, and when Jeanann opened hers, it was just such a cool moment to not only be excited to have my first state tournament, but then to know my dad got it as well, she said.What many dont realize is that state tournament referees are voted on by some of their harshest critics: coaches. This vote was even more impressive because it was Jeananns first year eligible to be considered.We couldnt have expected it to happen or scripted it to happen, Jay said.Yet, just because they were selected didnt guarantee they would work the same game. That decision is made by random draw, and fate smiled upon them twice during the Class A tournament in Billings finding themselves drawing the same game twice.Yeah, the stars just had to align, honestly, Jeanann said.It brought me back to when I got my first state tournament offer, Jay added.This unique situation raised a fun question: Who overrides whom when both blow the whistle?Hed probably let me go to the scorers table, Jeanann admitted with a smile.This camaraderie makes sense, as Jeanann, who graduated from Billings Senior High School and had a successful women's basketball playing career at Montana State Billings, now lives in Missoula and serves as a referee for both high school and Frontier Conference collegiate games. And she still seeks advice from her hall of fame referee father.Shell work a game, and the next morning Ill wake up and Ive got clips to look at, Jay said. Shes not looking to be right; shes looking to be right next time. She wants to know, should I have been a little higher, should I have been a little lower? How do I get that right angle?It's clear the duo has fun running the court together, with both flashing smiles and maintaining a relaxed demeanor. But was that always the case for Jeanann growing up at home as the daughter of two principals?Most of the time? Jay answered with a hopeful, hearty laugh.No, not even close, Jeanann countered, with wide eyes and her own convincing laugh.Good thing shes old enough to work with him now in a more "relaxed" environment. ...read more read less